What does the Bible say about fool?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that foolishness is not merely a lack of intelligence but a sinful refusal to fear the Lord, receive correction, and govern one’s words and desires by wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 says fools despise wisdom and instruction, while Proverbs 18:2 portrays them as delighting in airing their own opinions rather than understanding. Their unchecked speech brings conflict and ruin, as Proverbs 18:6-7 and 29:11 warn. Trusting one’s own heart is folly, but walking in God-given wisdom brings safety (Proverbs 28:26). Christ also warns that contemptuous, murderous anger toward others is serious sin (Matthew 5:22). Yet God graciously calls sinners away from folly through his Word, discipline, and the saving wisdom found in Christ.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 18:2
A fool has no delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own opinion.
- Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all of his anger, But a wise man brings himself under control.
- Proverbs 1:7
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
- Proverbs 18:6
A fool's lips come into strife, And his mouth invites beatings.
- Proverbs 29:9
If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, The fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
- Matthew 5:22
But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
- Proverbs 28:26
One who trusts in himself is a fool; But one who walks in wisdom, he is kept safe.
- Proverbs 26:19
Is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "Am I not joking?"
- Proverbs 18:7
A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are a snare to his soul.
- Proverbs 10:23
It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness, But wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- General scriptures concerning Psalms 5:5; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:1; Psalms 74:18-22; Psalms 107:17; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 1:22; Proverbs 3:35; Proverbs 9:6-8; Proverbs 9:13-17; Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 10:8
- PARABLES OF
- Of the foolish virgns Matthew 25:1-13
- Of the rich fool Luke 12:16-20
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