Studies

Fools in the Proverbs

OQ: What is the most foolish thing you've ever done? {Let them share, and SHARE YOURSELF.}

C: Tonight we're going to look at some fools in the book of Proverbs. Let's all turn there. In the Bible, the word fool means someone who is morally deficient and inclined towards evil. Tonight, we all have to decide: am I a fool in God's eyes? {Let different people read the Scriptures. If you are running out of time, read them yourself off of this sheet.}

1. The Pride of Fools. PRO 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools* despise wisdom and discipline.

Q: What is a fool's attitude toward learning? [It is not important.] Would a fool have time to study the Bible? [No.]

PRO 12:15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

C: A fool thinks he knows it all already. Q: Why is it good to get advice from Godly people? [They know better than us. They've learned from their own mistakes. They are not emotional about our situation and can give good advice.]

PRO 14:9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.

Q: When a fool is challenged, does he want to say, "sorry" or pay back what he owes? [No. But we should.]

2. The Talk of Fools. PRO 10:18 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

Q: Why is it foolish to slander others? [Because those who listen will then slander us.]

PRO 17:28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Q: Have you ever said something really stupid by talking too much? {SHARE YOURSELF and let them share if they want.}

PRO 18:2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.

Q: Do you enjoy spending time with someone who talks all the time? [No.] C: Think about it: do you talk too much?

PRO 18:6 A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.

PRO 18:7 A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

Q: Have you ever gotten into trouble by what you said? {SHARE YOURSELF and let them share.}

3. The Anger of Fools. PRO 12:16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Q: Why is it foolish to get angry at an insult? [Perhaps you didn't understand what they meant. Perhaps they are trying to provoke you.] C: Life is no fun if you can't take a joke or criticism.

PRO 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

C: A foolish person fights with everyone he or she lives with. It is not worth it. Make up with those you live with!

Q: Have any of you ever known someone who was always fighting with everyone at home? {Let them share.}

PRO 14:16 A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

PRO 14:17 A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.

C: A fool gets angry and does foolish things. Q: Have you ever done anything foolish when you were angry.

PRO 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

C: When we get very angry, we simply make enemies who want to hurt us. It is so much better to keep our self-control.

4. The Friends of Fools. PRO 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

C: How would God view your friends? Q: Have you ever had a friend who led you astray? How did it feel?

5. The Indulgence of Fools. PRO 10:23 A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.

C: One reason sin is so prevalent is that it is fun. But it ruins our lives. Look at the next verse:

PRO 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.

Q: Why is it foolish to indulge in lies? [Because you lose other people's trust. You make enemies.]

PRO 17:24 A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

Q: Why does he say that a fools eyes wander to the ends of the earth? [A fool is always making big plans but he never does anything. When he does do things, they fail for lack of planning. Many people start businesses in this way.]

PRO 21:20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.

Q: What does this proverb mean? [A fool wastes his money, he devours all he has instead of saving for the future.] What do a lot of people do as soon as they get their paycheque? [They waste money, buy things without budgeting. This is foolish.]

6. The Unreliable