Caring for Thoughtful and not Foolish Discourse

Fools

I am a fool. Many times I run off at the mouth.

I think what I have to say is important and I don’t care what others have to say. I know that is sad but it is true.

Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth. ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 18:2 (The Message Bible)

Discourse involves asking questions (wise ones) and listening.

The best conversations are where I ask lots of relevant questions and really listen. God’s goal for me is to be wise. That requires “wise” listening.

That is wisdom. I need more of that.

The good news is that Jesus teaches me. I have been redeemed from missing God’s goal (aka sinning) and can break away from my natural inclinations.

I don’t want to be foolish. The following is a partial list of some characteristics of a fool from the book of Proverbs:

• A fool hates knowledge (1:22)
• Takes no pleasure in understanding (18:2)
• Enjoys wicked schemes (Proverbs 10:23)
• Proclaims folly (Proverbs 12:23)
• Spurns a parent’s discipline (15:5)
• Speaks perversity (19:1)
• Is quick-tempered (12:16)
• Gets himself in trouble with his proud speech (14:3)
• Mocks at sin (14:9)
• Is deceitful (14:8)
• Despises his mother (15:20)
• A foolish child brings grief to his or her parents (17:25; 19:13)
• A foolish man commits sexual immorality (6:32; 7:7–12)
• A foolish woman tears down her own house (14:1)

Yikes! A great case to WISE UP!

The ultimate description of a fool is one who “says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ We are told they are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good” (Psalm 14:1; 53:1). Although fools can choose to become wise by heeding wise counsel and applying it (Proverbs 8:5; 21:11), the Bible warns against associating with fools (Proverbs 14:7).

Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”