Don't Be A Fool

 

    This chapter has 24 proverbs about being a fool.  It points out how to avoid being a fool, but philosophically it probes you to self-evaluate about who you are and what you want to be.  Like the last few days, each verse is it's own proverb.  You can chose which one you would like to focus on, but I am summarizing them all.

    A fool is a selfish person that ignores common sense (or never bothers to learn) for selfish desires.  The fool doesn't understand God's way.  They don't want to learn, but like to throw out judgment or opinions as if they were facts.  This is how they show God contempt and ultimately disgrace themselves.  

    A fool holds no wisdom in their words.  They are biased, prejudice, and judges others.  They cause discord and invite anger into their lives.  Their mouth is their undoing as it snares their very soul into an eternal trap.  A fool enjoys gossip.  They are lazy, always relying on other people.  

    A fool relies on their own fortune (self-reliant/self-made attitude).  They have hard hearts and are proud.  This is the trap that will lead to their fall.  They are unwilling to listen, but easily offended.  They reap a bitter harvest because they are never satisfied with what they have.  

    The tongue has the power to bring life or death.  A fool choses death.  They plead mercy, but their heart is harsh as they break other people's spirits.  They bring ruin to those that are near (family and friends).  Be careful about how you chose to live your life.  Whatever you chose will display itself one way or another.

Proverbs 18