Topical Encyclopedia Foolery, as depicted in the Bible, is often associated with a lack of wisdom, discernment, and reverence for God. It is characterized by actions and attitudes that are contrary to the teachings and principles found in Scripture. The Bible frequently contrasts the way of the fool with the way of the wise, urging believers to seek wisdom and understanding.Old Testament References The concept of foolery is prominently addressed in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. The Book of Proverbs, in particular, offers numerous insights into the nature and consequences of foolish behavior. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This verse highlights the foundational error of the fool: a rejection of divine wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 10:23 further illustrates the mindset of the fool: "The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom." Here, foolery is associated with a perverse enjoyment of wrongdoing, contrasting sharply with the prudent behavior of the wise. Ecclesiastes also addresses the futility of foolishness. Ecclesiastes 10:1 warns, "As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor." This imagery underscores how even a small amount of foolishness can tarnish one's reputation and achievements. New Testament References In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of foolery in His teachings. In the Sermon on the Mount, He warns against the folly of building one's life on anything other than His teachings. Matthew 7:26 states, "But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand." This parable illustrates the ultimate ruin that comes from ignoring Christ's words. The Apostle Paul also speaks to the nature of foolery in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 1:18 , he writes, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Here, Paul contrasts the world's perception of the Gospel as foolishness with its true power and wisdom for believers. Characteristics of Foolery Foolery in the biblical sense is marked by several key characteristics: 1. Rejection of Godly Wisdom: Fools are often depicted as those who reject the wisdom and instruction that come from God. This rejection leads to a life devoid of true understanding and purpose. 2. Pride and Arrogance: Proverbs 12:15 notes, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel." Fools are often characterized by an inflated sense of self and an unwillingness to heed advice. 3. Moral and Spiritual Blindness: Foolery is associated with a lack of moral discernment and spiritual insight. Romans 1:21-22 describes those who, "although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts." 4. Destructive Behavior: The actions of fools often lead to personal and communal harm. Proverbs 13:20 warns, "He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." Avoiding Foolery The Bible provides guidance on avoiding the pitfalls of foolery. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom through a relationship with God, as James 1:5 advises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Additionally, surrounding oneself with wise counsel and adhering to the teachings of Scripture are essential steps in cultivating a life marked by wisdom rather than folly. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The behavior of a fool; absurdity; lunacy.2. (n.) An act of folly or weakness; a foolish practice; something absurd or nonsensical. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FOOLERYfool'-er-i: PHILIP, THE GOSPEL OF See APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS; PHILIP. APOSTLES, GOSPEL OF THE TWELVE See APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS. ARABIC GOSPEL OF THE INFANCY See APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS. BARNABAS, GOSPEL OF See APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS. Library The Gathering Storm The Real High Priest and his Counterfeit Loyal to the Core the Nature of this Oversight Trust in God --True Wisdom Acts xix. 21, 23 The Sifting Time, 1743-1750. Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ... A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Thesaurus Foolery... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FOOLERY. fool'-er-i: The plural "fooleries" occurs Ecclesiasticus 22:13 King James Version: "Talk not much with a fool. ... /f/foolery.htm - 7k Fool-hardy (1 Occurrence) Folly (68 Occurrences) Fool (95 Occurrences) Resources Foolery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |