Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
January 3, 2021

Fools, Fools, and More Fools
by Bryan Gibson
You can find them in the Bible—the rich man was one (Luke 12:20), and so were some of the Pharisees (Matthew 23:17, 19), and some of the Galatians (Galatians 3:1). Fools, we’re told, can often come from among those who profess to be wise (Romans 1:22). The Book of Proverbs, though, contains the most detailed description of the fool, so let’s put some of those passages together and see what we’ve got.
A fool is easy enough to spot (Proverbs 13:16)—eventually both his speech and his behavior will give him away (Proverbs 12:23; 15:2). Everyone can see he’s a fool, everyone that is, except himself. Let’s just say that he has a pretty high opinion of himself (Proverbs 12:15; 14:3; 30:32), and perhaps that’s the reason he keeps doing the same foolish things over and over again (Proverbs 26:11).
No one can tell him anything, because he is “right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 12:15). He won’t listen to heavenly wisdom and instruction, even when it comes from those who love him the most (Proverbs 1:7, 22; 10:8; 12:1; 18:2). So rather than do what the Lord tells him to do, he just does what “feels right” or what “seems right” (Proverbs 28:26; 16:25).
Someone like that—you wouldn’t expect sin to bother them, and that’s exactly the case. A fool mocks at sin (Proverbs 14:9); it’s like sport to him (Proverbs 10:23); he’s not even thinking about the consequences of his actions (Proverbs 14:16; 9:13-18).
He may not listen very well, but he sure can talk. Unfortunately, he doesn’t know when to quit (Proverbs 10:14; 12:23; 14:33; 18:2; 29:11). Other folks might think better of him if he could just learn to keep his mouth shut (Proverbs 17:28).
A fool is no laughing matter, because he can do a lot of harm, and not just to himself. The fact is, he’s more dangerous than “a bear robbed of her cubs” (Proverbs 17:12), and much of that has to do with the fact that he gets too angry, too quickly, and stays that way too long (Proverbs 12:16; 14:16-17, 29; 27:3). He’s never met a fight he didn’t like (Proverbs 18:6-7; 20:3).
A fool has little or no regard for others, so it’s not surprising that he would slander others (Proverbs 10:18), or that he would bring grief and shame to his parents (Proverbs 15:20; 17:21, 25; 19:13).
“A fool and his money are soon parted”—that’s not a direct quote from Proverbs, but the principle is certainly there. Luxury doesn’t fit him well (Proverbs 19:10), because he’ll only squander it (Proverbs 21:20).
Is there any hope for the fool? There most certainly is, if he’s willing to repent. Foolishness is a hard habit to break (Proverbs 27:22), but it can be done. “Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding” (Proverbs 9:6). “O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart” (Proverbs 8:5).

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	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
(temporary during pandemic)
Sunday
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.