Last week we looked outward to those whom God regards as fools. It is a serious matter for anyone to call another a fool (Matt. 5:24), yet our omniscient God often describes some people as fools. This week we look inward to see that our God may use these very words to describe our actions.
Before hastily deciding that we are not fools, hear these words from God. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” (Prov. 12:15). The fact that we may not think of ourselves in these terms does not mean that God does not see us that way. Because almost every fool does not see himself as being foolish, we must remember that we might be among that number.
As we look inward, hear these other words from Solomon. “Fools mock at sin” (Prov. 14:9). Our world so flippantly makes light of that which will cost men their souls. Look at the content of social media and take notice of how we are entertained by viewing sin. Wise men hear and live by these words, “Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Rom. 12:9). Wise men will heed these words.
As you do a “fool check,” read God’s words about those who talk all the time. “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back” (Prov. 29:11). “And a fool’s voice is known by his many words” (Ecc. 5:3). “A fool also multiplies words” (Ecc. 10:14). “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him” (Prov. 18:13). Now read all these verses again and look inward to ask yourself if you are talking too much.
In the Parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus describes that man who was prospering in so many ways. He wanted new barns, greater barns, in which to store his riches. He looked to the future and found security in all that he had worked so hard to gain. He said to his soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19). God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provide?” He then describes every man who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God. Look inward, and then if guilty of the same sin, hear the voice of God as it may describe you. “Fool!”
These words look at only a few times God describes not just the wicked and evil but His own people. As you read the Bible take time to think about how God determines who is a fool. May His words describing Israel never describe us: “My people are foolish, they have not known Me. They are silly children…they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge…they are foolish; for they do not know the way of the Lord” (Jer. 4:42; 5:4). Look inward! Don’t be a fool!