Bible Thesaurus: Fool

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Thesaurus

Fool (95 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A compound of gooseberries scalded and
crushed, with cream; -- commonly called gooseberry fool. ...
/f/fool.htm - 47k

Fool's (10 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fool's (10 Occurrences). Proverbs 10:23 It is a fool's
pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure. ...
/f/fool's.htm - 8k

Fool-hardy (1 Occurrence)
Fool-hardy. Foolery, Fool-hardy. Foolish . Multi-Version Concordance
Fool-hardy (1 Occurrence). 2 Peter 2:10 and especially ...
/f/fool-hardy.htm - 6k

Foolery
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The behavior of a fool; absurdity; lunacy.
2. (n.) An act of folly or weakness; a foolish practice ...
/f/foolery.htm - 7k

Brutish (12 Occurrences)
... atheist. The proverb, "No fool like the learned fool," is especially true
of the ignorance of the unbelievers of the Scriptures. ...
/b/brutish.htm - 11k

Churl (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Churl (6 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 3:33 And the king lamented
for Abner, and said, Should Abner die as a fool dieth? (See JPS). ...
/c/churl.htm - 9k

Walks (51 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV). Proverbs 19:1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than
he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool. (WEB NAS RSV). ...
/w/walks.htm - 20k

Fools (53 Occurrences)
... workers of iniquity. (DBY). Psalms 39:8 From all my transgressions deliver
me, A reproach of the fool make me not. (See NIV). Psalms 74 ...
/f/fools.htm - 20k

Prudent (40 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Proverbs 12:16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who
overlooks an insult is prudent. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/p/prudent.htm - 20k

Folly (68 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FOOL; FOLLY. fool nabhal, 'ewil, kecil, cakhal
and forms; aphron, aphrosune, moros): I. In the Old Testament. ...
/f/folly.htm - 39k

Bible Concordance

Fool (95 Occurrences)

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.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 7:26 Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn't do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand.
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 12:20 "But God said to him,'You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared-whose will they be?'
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 15:36 You foolish one, that which you yourself sow is not made alive unless it dies.
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:16 I say again, let no one think me foolish. But if so, yet receive me as foolish, that I also may boast a little.
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:17 That which I speak, I don't speak according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:21 I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet however any is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also.
(Root in WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
(KJV BBE WBS)

2 Corinthians 12:6 For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me, or hears from me.
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Corinthians 12:11 I have become foolish in boasting. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for in nothing was I inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing.
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Numbers 22:29 And Balaam said to the ass, You have made me seem foolish: if only I had a sword in my hand I would put you to death.
(Root in BBE NIV)

Judges 16:10 Delilah said to Samson, "Behold, you have mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, please, with which you might be bound."
(See NIV)

Judges 16:13 Delilah said to Samson, "Until now, you have mocked me and told me lies. Tell me with what you might be bound." He said to her, "If you weave the seven locks of my head with the web."
(See NIV)

Judges 16:15 She said to him, "How can you say,'I love you,' when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times, and have not told me where your great strength lies."
(See NIV)

1 Samuel 25:25 Please don't let my lord regard this worthless fellow, even Nabal; for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him; but I, your handmaid, didn't see the young men of my lord, whom you sent.
(See NIV)

1 Samuel 26:21 Then said Saul, "I have sinned. Return, my son David; for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Samuel 3:33 The king lamented for Abner, and said, "Should Abner die as a fool dies?
(WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Job 5:2 For resentment kills the foolish man, and jealousy kills the simple.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Job 5:3 I have seen the foolish taking root, but suddenly I cursed his habitation.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 14:1 For the Chief Musician. By David. The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt. They have done abominable works. There is none who does good.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 39:8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Don't make me the reproach of the foolish.
(Root in WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 49:10 For he sees that wise men die; likewise the fool and the senseless perish, and leave their wealth to others.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV)

Psalms 53:1 For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Mahalath." A contemplation by David. The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good.
(WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 74:22 Arise, God! Plead your own cause. Remember how the foolish man mocks you all day.
(Root in WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Psalms 92:6 A senseless man doesn't know, neither does a fool understand this:
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NIV)

Proverbs 7:22 He followed her immediately, as an ox goes to the slaughter, as a fool stepping into a noose.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS)

Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart accept commandments, but a chattering fool will fall.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 10:10 One winking with the eye causes sorrow, but a chattering fool will fall.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Proverbs 10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 10:18 He who hides hatred has lying lips. He who utters a slander is a fool.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 10:23 It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 11:29 He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind. The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 12:16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 13:16 Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 14:3 The fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 14:7 Stay away from a foolish man, for you won't find knowledge on his lips.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 14:16 A wise man fears, and shuns evil, but the fool is hotheaded and reckless.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools gush out folly.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 15:5 A fool despises his father's correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 15:14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 17:7 Arrogant speech isn't fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.
(WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 17:10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 17:12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 17:16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, seeing he has no understanding?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 17:21 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 18:6 A fool's lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 18:7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 19:1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 19:10 Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 20:3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 23:9 Don't speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 24:7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he doesn't open his mouth in the gate.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 26:1 Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 26:4 Don't answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 26:6 One who sends a message by the hand of a fool is cutting off feet and drinking violence.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 26:7 Like the legs of the lame that hang loose: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 26:8 As one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 26:9 Like a thornbush that goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 26:10 As an archer who wounds all, so is he who hires a fool or he who hires those who pass by.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 26:11 As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 27:3 A stone is heavy, and sand is a burden; but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 27:22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 28:26 One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 30:22 For a servant when he is king; a fool when he is filled with food;
(WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 30:32 "If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, put your hand over your mouth.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head, and the fool walks in darkness-and yet I perceived that one event happens to them all.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 2:15 Then said I in my heart, "As it happens to the fool, so will it happen even to me; and why was I then more wise?" Then said I in my heart that this also is vanity.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 2:16 For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no memory for ever, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. Indeed, the wise man must die just like the fool! the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars);
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 2:19 Who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have rule over all of my labor in which I have labored, and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 4:5 The fool folds his hands together and ruins himself.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 5:3 For as a dream comes with a multitude of cares, so a fool's speech with a multitude of words.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 6:8 For what advantage has the wise more than the fool? What has the poor man, that knows how to walk before the living?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 7:6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 7:7 Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.
(Root in WEB JPS ASV RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 7:17 Don't be too wicked, neither be foolish. Why should you die before your time?
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 10:2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand, but a fool's heart at his left.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 10:3 Yes also, when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 10:6 The foolish are placed in high positions, but men of wealth are kept low.
(Root in BBE YLT NIV)

Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 10:14 A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn't know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 10:15 The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn't know how to go to the city.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 32:5 The fool will no longer be called noble, nor the scoundrel be highly respected.
(WEB ASV BBE YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 32:6 For the fool will speak folly, and his heart will work iniquity, to practice profanity, and to utter error against Yahweh, To make empty the soul of the hungry, and to cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.
(WEB ASV BBE YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 17:11 As the partridge that sits on eggs which she has not laid, so is he who gets riches, and not by right; in the midst of his days they shall leave him, and at his end he shall be a fool.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Hosea 9:7 The days of visitation have come. The days of reckoning have come. Israel will consider the prophet to be a fool, and the man who is inspired to be insane, because of the abundance of your sins, and because your hostility is great.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

ATS Bible Dictionary

Fool

Any person who does not act wisely, that is, does not follow the warnings and requirements of God, which are founded in infinite wisdom. Hence "a fool" is put for a wicked man, an enemy or neglecter of God, Psalm 14:1 Proverbs 19:1. So folly is put for wickedness, 2 Samuel 13:12,13 Psalm 38:5, foolish lusts for wicked lusts, etc. Foolish talking, foolish questions, are vain, empty, unprofitable conversation, 2 Timothy 2:23.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) A compound of gooseberries scalded and crushed, with cream; -- commonly called gooseberry fool.

2. (n.) One destitute of reason, or of the common powers of understanding; an idiot; a natural.

3. (n.) A person deficient in intellect; one who acts absurdly, or pursues a course contrary to the dictates of wisdom; one without judgment; a simpleton; a dolt.

4. (n.) One who acts contrary to moral and religious wisdom; a wicked person.

5. (n.) One who counterfeits folly; a professional jester or buffoon; a retainer formerly kept to make sport, dressed fantastically in motley, with ridiculous accouterments.

6. (v. i.) To play the fool; to trifle; to toy; to spend time in idle sport or mirth.

7. (v. t.) To infatuate; to make foolish.

8. (v. t.) To use as a fool; to deceive in a shameful or mortifying manner; to impose upon; to cheat by inspiring foolish confidence; as, to fool one out of his money.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

FOOL; FOLLY

fool nabhal, 'ewil, kecil, cakhal and forms; aphron, aphrosune, moros):

I. In the Old Testament.

1. General:

Taking the words generally, apart from the Wisdom literature, we find nabhal frequently translated "fool" and nebhalah, "folly"; nabhal, however, denotes a wicked person, an evil character, "shamelessly immoral," equivalent to "a son of Belial" (Cheyne), rather than a merely "foolish" person, and nebhalah, "wickedness," "shameless impropriety," rather than simple folly. We have almost a definition of nabhal in Isaiah 32:6: "For the fool will speak folly, and his heart will work iniquity, to practice profaneness, and to utter error against Yahweh, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and to cause the drink of the thirsty to fail." Abigail described her husband, Nabhal, as "a son of Belial" (the Revised Version (British and American) "worthless fellow"), "for as his name is, so is he" (1 Samuel 25:25), and what we read of him bears out this character. Other occurrences of the words support the above meaning; they are generally associated with some form of wickedness, frequently with base and unnatural lewdness (Genesis 34:7 Deuteronomy 22:21 Joshua 7:15 Judges 19:23, 14; Judges 20:6, 10 2 Samuel 13:12). When in Psalm 14:1; Psalm 53:1 it is said, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God," it is followed by the statement, "They are corrupt, they have done abominable works," showing that more than "folly" is implied. In Isaiah 32:5, 6 the King James Version nabhal is translated "vile person" and nebhalah "villany," the Revised Version (British and American) "fool" and "folly," Jeremiah 29:23; halal, implying loud boasting is in the King James Version translated "foolish," but it means, rather, "arrogant," which the Revised Version (British and American) adopts (Psalm 5:5; Psalm 73:3; Psalm 75:4, margin "fools"); cakhal, "a fool," also occurs (Genesis 31:28 1 Samuel 13:13, etc.) for which word see (4) below; also ya'al "to be empty," "to be or become foolish" (Numbers 12:11 Isaiah 19:13 Jeremiah 5:4; Jeremiah 50:36).

2. The Wisdom Literature:

In the Chokhmah or Wisdom literature, which, within the Bible, is contained in Job, Proverbs (especially), Ecclesiastes, Canticles, some Psalms and certain portions of the prophetic writings, "fool" and "folly" are frequent and distinctive words. Their significance is best seen in contrast with "Wisdom." This was the outcome of careful observation and long pondering on actual life in the light of religion and the Divine revelation. Wisdom had its seat in God and was imparted to those who "feared" Him ("The fear of Yahweh is the beginning (chief part) of knowledge" Proverbs 1:7). Such wisdom was the essence of life, and to be without it was to walk in the way of death and destruction. The fool was he who was thoughtless, careless, conceited, self-sufficient, indifferent to God and His Will, or who might even oppose and scoff at religion and wise instruction. See WISDOM. Various words are used to designate "the fool" and his "folly."

(1) nabhal (Job 2:10; Job 30:8 Psalm 53:1 Proverbs 17:7-21); nebhalah (Job 42:8 Isaiah 9:17) (see above).

(2) 'ewil, one of the commonest, the idea conveyed by which is that of one who is hasty, impatient, self-sufficient (Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 15:5; Proverbs 16:22); despising advice and instruction (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 14:9; Proverbs 24:7); ready to speak and act without thinking (Proverbs 10:14; Proverbs 12:16; Proverbs 20:3); quick to get angry, quarrel and cause strife (Proverbs 11:29; Proverbs 14:17 'iwweleth; 29:9); unrestrained in his anger (Job 5:2 Proverbs 17:12); silly, stupid even with brute stupidity (Proverbs 7:22; Proverbs 26:11; Proverbs 27:22; compare Isaiah 19:11 Jeremiah 4:22); he is associated with "transgression" (Psalm 107:17 Proverbs 13:15; Proverbs 17:18, 19), with "sin" (Proverbs 24:9), with the "scoffer" (same place); 'iwweleth, "foolishness" occurs (Psalm 38:5; Psalm 69:5 Proverbs 13:16; "folly," Psalm 14:8, 24, 29, etc.).

(3) kecil is the word most frequent in Proverbs. It is probably from a root meaning "thickness," "sluggishness," suggesting a slow, self-confident person, but it is used with a wide reference.

Self-confidence appears (Proverbs 14:16; Proverbs 28:26); ignorance (Ecclesiastes 2:14); hate of instruction (Proverbs 1:22; Proverbs 18:2); thoughtlessness (Proverbs 10:23; Proverbs 17:24); self-exposure (Proverbs 14:33; Proverbs 15:2; Proverbs 18:7; 29:11 Ecclesiastes 5:1; Ecclesiastes 10:12); anger and contention (Proverbs 18:6; Proverbs 19:1 Ecclesiastes 7:9); rage (Proverbs 14:16; Proverbs 17:12); indolence and improvidence (Ecclesiastes 4:5 Proverbs 21:20); silly merriment (Ecclesiastes 7:4, 5, 6); brutishness (Proverbs 26:11; compare Psalm 49:10; Psalm 92:6); it is associated with slander (Proverbs 10:18), with evil (Proverbs 13:19).

(4) cakhal, cekhel, cikhluth, also occur. These are probably from a root meaning "to be stopped up" (Cheyne), and are generally taken as denoting thickheadedness; but they are used in a stronger sense than mere foolishness (compare 1 Samuel 26:21 2 Samuel 24:10, etc.). These words do not occur in Prov, but in Ecclesiastes 2:12; Ecclesiastes 7:25; cikhluth is associated with "madness" ("Wickedness is folly, and. foolishness is madness").

(5) pethi, "simple," is only once translated "foolish" (Proverbs 9:6 the King James Version).

(6) ba`ar, 'brutish," is translated "foolish" (Psalm 73:22 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "brutish").

(7) taphel, "insipid," "untempered," is translated "foolish" (Lamentations 2:14); tiphlah, "insipidity" (Job 1:22, "foolishly," the English Revised Version, "with foolishness"; Job 24:12, "folly"; Jeremiah 23:13, "folly," the King James Version margin "unsavoury, or, an absurd thing").

(8) toholah (Job 4:18: "Behold, he putteth no trust in his servants; and his angels he chargeth with folly" (Delitzsch, "imperfection," others, "error"), the King James Version margin "nor in his angels in whom he put light").

II. In the Apocrypha.

In the continuation of the Wisdom literature in The Wisdom of Solomon and Ecclus, "fool" frequently occurs with a signification similar to that in Proverbs; in The Wisdom of Solomon we have aphron (12:24; 15:5, etc.), in Ecclesiasticus, moros (18:18; 19:11, etc.; 20:13; 21:16, etc.).

III. In the New Testament.

In the New Testament we have various words translated "fool," "foolish," "folly," etc., in the ordinary acceptation of these terms; aphron, "mindless," "witless" (Luke 11:40; Luke 12:20 1 Corinthians 15:36); aphrosune, "want of mind or wisdom" (2 Corinthians 11:1 Mark 7:22); anoia, "want of understanding" (2 Timothy 3:9); moraino, "to make dull," "foolish" (Romans 1:22 1 Corinthians 1:20); moros, "dull," "stupid" (Matthew 7:26; Matthew 23:17; Matthew 25:2 1 Corinthians 1:25, 27); moria, "foolishness" (1 Corinthians 1:18 etc.); morologia, "foolish talk" (Ephesians 5:4).

In Matthew 5:22 our Lord says: "Whosoever shall say (to his brother), Thou fool (more), shall be in danger of the hell of fire (the Gehenna of fire)." Two explanations of this word are possible:

(1) that it is not the vocative of the Greek moros-a word which was applied by Jesus Himself to the Pharisees (Matthew 23:17, 19), but represents the Hebrew morah, "rebel" applied in Numbers 20:10 by Moses to the people, "ye rebels" (for which he was believed to be excluded from the promised land; compare Numbers 20:12; hence, we have in the Revised Version, margin "or moreh, a Hebrew expression of condemnation"); or

(2) that, as our Lord spake in the Aramaic it is the Greek translation of a word representing the Hebrew nabhal, "vile, or worthless fellow," atheist, etc. (Psalm 14:1; Psalm 53:1).

W. L. Walker

Greek

3474. moros -- dull, stupid, foolish
... Speech: Adjective Transliteration: moros Phonetic Spelling: (mo-ros') Short Definition:
stupid, foolish Definition: (a) adj: stupid, foolish, (b) noun: a fool. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3474.htm - 7k

781. asophos -- unwise
... prefix) and sophos Definition unwise NASB Word Usage unwise men (1). fool. From
a (as a negative particle) and sophos; unwise -- fool. see GREEK a. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/781.htm - 6k

878. aphron -- without reason, foolish
... Word Origin from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and phren Definition without reason,
foolish NASB Word Usage fool (2), foolish (8), foolish ones (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/878.htm - 7k

3471. moraino -- to be foolish
... make foolish, lose savor. From moros; to become insipid; figuratively, to make
(passively, act) as a simpleton -- become fool, make foolish, lose savour. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3471.htm - 7k

3912. paraphroneo -- to be beside oneself, to be deranged
... to be insane. From para and phroneo; to misthink, ie Be insane (silly) -- as a fool.
see GREEK para. see GREEK phroneo. (paraphronon) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3912.htm - 7k

3828. Pamphulia -- Pamphylia, a province of Asia Minor
... Pamphylia, a province of Asia Minor. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
Pamphulia Phonetic Spelling: (pam-fool-ee'-ah) Short Definition: Pamphylia ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3828.htm - 6k

5444. phullon -- a leaf
... phullon. 5445 . a leaf. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: phullon
Phonetic Spelling: (fool'-lon) Short Definition: a leaf Definition: a leaf. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5444.htm - 6k

453. anoetos -- not understanding
... foolish, unwise. From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of noieo;
unintelligent; by implication, sensual -- fool(-ish), unwise. see GREEK a. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/453.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

3684. kesil -- stupid fellow, dullard, fool
... 3683, 3684. kesil. 3685 . stupid fellow, dullard, fool. Transliteration:
kesil Phonetic Spelling: (kes-eel') Short Definition: fool. ...
/hebrew/3684.htm - 6k

5528. sakal -- to be foolish or a fool
... 5527b, 5528. sakal. 5529 . to be foolish or a fool. Transliteration: sakal
Phonetic Spelling: (saw-kal') Short Definition: foolishly. ... be silly, play the fool ...
/hebrew/5528.htm - 6k

5530. sakal -- a fool
... 5529, 5530. sakal. 5531 . a fool. Transliteration: sakal Phonetic Spelling:
(saw-kawl') Short Definition: fool. Word Origin from ...
/hebrew/5530.htm - 6k

191. evil -- foolish
... 190, 191. evil. 192 . foolish. Transliteration: evil Phonetic Spelling:
(ev-eel') Short Definition: fool. Word Origin from an unused ...
/hebrew/191.htm - 5k

5036. nabal -- foolish, senseless
... 5035b, 5036. nabal. 5037 . foolish, senseless. Transliteration: nabal
Phonetic Spelling: (naw-bawl') Short Definition: fool. Word ...
/hebrew/5036.htm - 6k

1984. halal -- to shine
... thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify
-- (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(- ish, -ly ...
/hebrew/1984.htm - 5k

Library

The Rich Fool.
... THE RICH FOOL. ... But God said unto him, "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required
of thee; then whose shall those things be which thou hast hoarded?". ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/the rich fool.htm

The Rich Fool
... LUKE Chaps. I to XII THE RICH FOOL. ... Again, this type of covetous men is a fool because
he reckons on 'many years.' The goods may last, but will he? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the rich fool.htm

The Mourning for the Fool
... SONNETS ii The Mourning for the Fool. Weep for the dead, For light hath failed
him; And weep for a fool, For understanding hath failed him: ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii the mourning for the.htm

The Rich Fool.
... THE RICH FOOL. ... But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required
of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xix the rich fool.htm

O Fool, Thou Dost not Die to God.
... XXVII."O Fool, Thou Dost Not Die to God. O fool, thou dost not absolutely
die; nor, when dead, dost thou escape the lofty One. ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/xxvii o fool thou dost not.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. v. 22, "Whosoever Shall Say to ...
... Sermon V. On the words of the Gospel, Matt. v. 22, "Whosoever shall say to his brother,
thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire.". [LV. Ben.] ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon v on the words.htm

His Arrival in Apulia, Venice, Ferrara, and Genoa --He is ...
... CHAPTER V HIS ARRIVAL IN APULIA, VENICE, FERRARA, AND GENOA"HE IS APPREHENDED AS
A SPY"HE IS DESPISED AS A FOOL"HIS STUDIES AT BARCELONA AND ALCALA. ...
/.../loyola/the autobiography of st ignatius/chapter v his arrival in.htm

And Since I have Become a Fool in Detailing These Things...
... Life of Antony. Section 41. And since I have become a fool in detailing these
things� 41. And since I have become a fool in detailing ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/life of antony section 41.htm

Dedicatory Letter.
... This debt I have now resolved honestly to discharge, as well as may be, and to be
court fool for once in my life: if I fail, I shall at any rate gain this ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/dedicatory letter.htm

1 Cor. Iii. 18, 19
... Let no man deceive himself. If any man (enhumin omitted.) thinketh that he is wise
in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily x 1 cor iii.htm

Subtopics

Fool

Fool: General Scriptures Concerning

Fool: Parables of of the Foolish Virgns

Fool: Parables of of the Rich Fool

Related Terms

Fool's (10 Occurrences)

Fool-hardy (1 Occurrence)

Foolery

Brutish (12 Occurrences)

Churl (6 Occurrences)

Walks (51 Occurrences)