"Biblically dealing with a Fool"
This topic of dealing with a fool is covered a lot in the book of Proverbs. I like to begin this study within the biblical context using scripture.
The book of Proverbs has quite a lot to say about a fool. It will help you identify the characteristics of a foolish person.
So let us see what the Bible has to say about dealing with foolish people!
We can start by dealing with a person that is exhibiting foolish speech, voicing their opinion not backed by scripture.
You will find that a foolish person is emotional. They have a hard time controlling their emotions. They also do not want to learn. They refuse biblical instruction.
Lastly, they do not want correction as they don't think that they have any responsibility for their own behavior or actions.
You should learn to exercise discernment and wisdom when dealing with a fool.
We should use that wisdom to discern when to converse with them and also know when to walk away.
Stop speaking or answering a fool and just walk away from them. This is because they will only continue to argue their nonsense. (Their own opinion)
"A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards."
(Proverbs 29:11) KJV
You walk away from them so as to avoid being pulled down to their level of conversation.
"Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge."
(Proverbs 14:7) KJV
The Bible says:
"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit."
(Proverbs 26:4-5) KJV
You can offer correction so they don't grow overly prideful. They most likely won't accept it because they are trying to deceive you. This correction is necessary so that others will not be misled by a fool's speech.
At least you have tried to reason with them to correct them. Remember to use self control when dealing with a fool!
The fool has but one purpose:
"The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour."
(Proverbs 14:8-9) KJV
We see in the above scripture that the fool mocks sin.
You will observe that the fool thinks that they are right and will not budge. But the Bible says that their way leads to death.
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
(Proverbs 14:12) KJV
The Bible says that the fool is confident in what they believe...
"A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident."
(Proverbs 14:16) KJV
"The fool's time is but a short period. A fool cannot overcome the truth of scripture. Truth will always come out on top.
"The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment."
(Proverbs 12:19) KJV
The reward for the foolish is nothing but folly:
"The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly."
(Proverbs 14:24) KJV
"The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools."
(Proverbs 3:35) KJV
Sometimes you will see that you are wasting your time on the foolish person.
You can go the route of righteousness with correction and rebuke to try to bring them back into alignment with scripture but they most likely won't recieve or understand what information you are giving them.
We see this here in scripture:
"Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words."
(Proverbs 23:9) KJV
And:
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
(Proverbs 1:7) KJV
Contending with a fool:
We will also see from scripture that contending with a fool is tiresome and leads to you being frustrated.
We read:
"If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest."
(Proverbs 29:9) KJV
A Fool will double down on his own foolishness. He will, no matter what correction (truth) that he has heard, will revisit and stand firm on his own foolish conversation and revel in his conceit.
A Fool will try to wear you down with their foolish thoughts and speech. They allow their mouth to run continuously non stop.
We read:
"As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him."
(Proverbs 26:11-12) KJV
The anger and destruction of the fool in scripture:
A Fool will anger quickly. This spirit of anger will rest in their bosom.
"Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools."
(Ecclesiastes 7:9) KJV
A Fool will run their mouth, always being contentious and lacking knowledge. This leads to their own destruction.
We read:
"Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction."
(Proverbs 10:14) KJV
"A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul."
(Proverbs 18:7) KJV
In conclusion:
A Fool requires correction to bring them in line with scripture & correct thought & knowledge.
We read:
"A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back."
(Proverbs 26:3) KJV
Meaning and Context:
We see in the above scripture that it uses a metaphor, to bring across the idea that fools need correction. They will require discipline to bring them in line with the Word of God.
Just as animals need guidance to behave properly, we see in this verse that it speaks of a comparison of an animal like a horse that needs a whip to behave correctly and an ass needing a bridle to control them.
The Bible tells us that the folly of fools should not, cannot be left unchecked without the appropriate consequence!Discipline for the Fool:
The "rod" is a symbol of correction or instruction. Just as we see that animals respond to physical guidance, a fool may only learn or be restrained through firm correction using biblical discipline, (scripture), lack of fellowship or other measures.
Sometimes, a foolish person's stubbornness or lack of understanding, require us to establish a firm boundary and stated consequences to prevent further harm to themselves or others.
We should acknowledge that exercising patience with a fool may not be enough. They may require more in depth instruction and correcting within the moral context.
Conclusion:
We have to teach them on their level of understanding according to their capacity to understand what you are trying to get across to them.
We should deal with the foolish person according to their nature. We need to keep in mind that a careless and immoral or self indulgent sinner will never be ruled by reason and persuasion.
We should realize that within a biblical context, that if we impart wisdom through teaching we might bring about righteousness in the foolish person to prevent them from harm in their folly and foolishness.
A reprobate and indifferent sinner will most likely never be regulated or swayed by reason of scripture.
There may be some who will indeed be changed by the grace of God and work of the Holy Spirit.
Let this rest in your understanding:
"The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness."
(Proverbs 15:14) KJV
Don't be foolish, seek wisdom!
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
(Proverbs 4:7) KJV