Proverbs 14

<READ PROVERBS 14 ON BIBLE GATEWAY>

In my online bible, the title of Proverbs chapter 14 is “The Folly of a Fool.”  To me, the visual image of a fool is like a medieval joker, whose job it was to entertain the kings.  To Solomon, a fool is a much more serious topic.  Several of his proverbs speak of the folly of a fool.

v3 : A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.  

Your mouth makes a fool of you when you are full of yourself.  Your pride insinuates that you are better than God.  When you boast of yourself, you are not giving God the credit or the glory.

v9:  Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.  

Fools commit sin easily and their casual attitude encourages others to do the same.  By doing so, they deny themselves the favor and good will of God.  God instead gives these things to the wise because their hearts are right. Fools that make light of sin make light of Christ, whose sacrifice cleansed us of our sins.

v16:  The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.  

Many a fool thinks he is wise.  But he does not seek his wisdom from God and does not consider the consequences of his actions.

v17:  A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. 

v29:  Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. 

Equating a quick temper to folly was an eye-opening thought for me.  But really, how many of us have spoken hasty words, out of anger, that we wish we could take back?  Anger should be handled with care; we should ask for God’s guidance before we act on our anger.

           

What will you do to become more wise and less foolish?

Shannon Bingham

Cove Missions Coordinator