Below is a list of some of my favorite Biblical teachings on "foolishness." Many times, I read these and I think to myself, "Oh, I know so-and-so acts like that a lot!" I start thinking about all the other people I know who act foolishly. But if I'm truly honest, there are areas where I act foolish too. So when you read over these, read them twice. The second time, ask yourself, "If I'm honest with myself, am I acting like a spiritual fool in any areas?"
If I wrote on every single Biblical teaching of foolishness vs. wisdom in the Bible, it would likely run more than 400 pages, so here are just a few of my favorite teachings on what to avoid as foolishness. Perhaps they are my favorite teachings because they are the very habits I have had to ask for God's help in correcting these areas most in myself?
First, here are some Old Testament proverbs and teachings on foolishness:
"A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion." - Proverbs 18:2 (ESV)
"A fool's way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise." - Proverbs 12:16 (CSB)
"Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools." - Ecclesiastes 7:9 (ESV)
"Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible. - Proverbs 10:23 (NLT)
Now, enjoy some New Testament teachings on foolishness vs. wisdom:
"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." - Romans 1:21 (ESV)
"But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?" - James 2:20 (NASB)
"And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" - Luke 12:19-20
-----------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to learn simple, practical ways to walk closely with God every single day, then we recommend Closer to God: Simple Methods, Starting Today.
If you are looking to learn more deeply and fully about what Jesus taught, then we recommend, He Called: 56 Daily Studies and Reflections with the Words of Christ. There are also 14 videos that go along with this book on this blog here: Teachings of Jesus videos
If you would like to read posts like the ones from this blog in book form, then you will enjoy the author's title A Key Question for All Life's Problems available as a Kindle book. The excerpts in the book may be read for personal spiritual growth, or used as sermon starters or lesson outlines.
The author also interacts with her readers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GospelLifeBooks
Find all books and ebooks from this blog author at: https://www.amazon.com/Sherry-Elaine-Evans