Charles, don't be a fool!!

Day 171

Reading: Proverbs 26:1 - Proverbs 28:28

Wisdom is the principal thing Solomon declared. In pursuing wisdom and because of certain happenings in my life I began looking at the behaviour of a fool. 'Charles, don't be a fool' some people once said to me. It was said in my face and behind my back that I was being foolish in my behaviour and demeanour. I was hurt because I had no intention of being hurtful or foolish in my actions or words.  Foolishness will not be associated with me. 

In Hebrew the word fool is translated from 5 different words all meaning either silly, stupid, vile person, perverse, a morally undesirable person, senseless, a want of mental sanity and sobriety, a reckless or inconsiderate habit, the imprudent ordering of one's life in regard to the will and ways of God; or one without discernment of things both spiritual and natural. I will just share a snippet of my breaking down the scriptures dealing with foolishness. 

25 characteristics of a fool:

1. A fool denies the existence of God Psalms 14:1, Ps 53:1
2. A fool however wealthy leaves their wealth for others. Psalms 49:10
3. A fool doesn't understand God's purposes Psalms 92:6-7
4. A fool lacks discernment and runs into trouble Proverbs 7:22
5. A fool prats- blabbers, speaks about unimportant matters rapidly and incessantly. When a fool keeps quiet they are considered wise. Proverbs 10:8,10; 17:28.
6. One who spreads slander is considered a fool. Slander is defined as words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another. Proverbs 10:18
7. A fool loves doing evil Proverbs 10:23. Lack of understanding is the cause of evil actions.
8. A fool thinks their way is right and does not listen to counsel Proverbs 12:15
9. A fool acts without knowledge displaying their folly Psalms 13:16
10. Pride is found in the words of a fool revealing their arrogance. Proverbs 14:3
11. A fool is fuelled by feelings of intense anger and is self-confident. These two qualities hinder the fear of God from having any effect causing them to walk into evil. Proverbs 14:16
12. A fool despises instruction/correction from authority Proverbs 15:5. When you don't honour those above you, you restrict your life. 
13. A fool is associated with lying lips  and is not easily corrected Proverbs 17:7,10
14. A fool's folly is worse than meeting any dangerous angry animal Proverbs 17:12
15. A fool's parents have no joy. Proverbs 17:21, 25
16. A fool only focuses on their world but the wise person wears understanding as their spectacles in life. Proverbs 17:24
17. A fool doesn't walk with integrity and doesn't deserve honour Proverbs 19:1; 26:1,8
18. Giving a gift to a fool is not right as it will be wasted Proverbs 19:10
19. A fool loves quarrels Proverbs 20:3
20. Wisdom is too high a moral and intellectual value to a fool and they cannot, therefore, be counted on to make any input in important issues of the day Proverbs 24:7
21. Be careful what you request a fool to do for you, it may never be achieved Proverbs 26:6
22. A fool may not think that their actions or words will be repaid but be guaranteed that God has their payday settled. Proverbs 26:10
23. A fool and his folly are never separated. Be careful that you don't repeat your mistakes Proverbs 26:11
24. Don't think too highly of yourself as that sets you up for failure more than the fool Proverbs 26:12
25. A fool destroys while a wise woman builds her home  Proverbs 14:1

I have purposed to pursue understanding that wisdom may be the crown I wear. I pray it's the same for you.

Memory Verse: Proverbs 27:2

Decree: 

Proverbs 28:13

He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. (italics mine)