Traits of Fools

Fools despise wisdom and discipline.
                     —Proverbs 1:7

Only once in the Bible God called a man a fool (Lk. 12:20). But there are many references to the traits of fools.

Some refer to disposition:

Quarrelsome: “every fool is quick to quarrel” (Prov. 20:3).
Angry: “A fool gives full vent to his anger” (Prov. 29:11).
Arrogant: “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice” (Prov. 12:15).
Lazy: “Fools will fold their hands and starve to death” (Eccl. 4:5 CEV).

Some refer to actions:

Talks too much: “The fool multiplies words” (Eccl. 10:14).
Lives wickedly: “The fool speaks folly, his mind is busy with evil: He practices ungodliness” (Isa. 32:6).
Spends recklessly: “a foolish man devours all he has” (Prov. 21:20).

When you argue with a fool,
be sure he isn’t doing the same thing.

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