Once this is done, I can throw my notebook away!!! It is falling apart but it has held some good memories of good teachings from long ago. Oh if only I had taken more detailed notes (sigh). The following was a presentation made by a woman I admired a lot. She not only had an amazing knowledge of the scriptures, she never acted superior. She had utmost patience and had such great stuff to share.
The Fool
Matthew 5
20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Most of the scriptures dealing with the definition of a fool are found in the book of Proverbs. Solomon asked for wisdom and he is the wisest man that ever lived.
So what is a fool?
Proverbs 12
15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
* A fool does not listen to counsel
* A fool does not delight in understanding
* A fool does not confess or repent
* A fool will always insist it is someone else's fault
There are 3 words used in the Hebrew to describe a fool. They are:
1 - Kesel and is mentioned 49 times. It basically means closed to knowledge. Their mind is made up and nothing you say can convince them otherwise. They will fight you to prove they are right.
*Fools reject knowledge and
*Fools mouths are their weapons of choice.
2 - Nabal is used 3 times and means spiritually bereft. Read the story of the Calebite named Nabal in 1 Samuel 25:3 (but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.)
3 - Ewil is used 19 times and means stupid or hardened.Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
How a fool thinks
a) A fool is always "right" - Proverbs 12:15 - The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
b) A fool is self contained - Proverbs 28:26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
c) A fool is deceitful - Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
d) A fool is complacent - Proverbs 1:32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; (In other words it leads to their destruction)
e) Fools mock at making amends for sin - Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
f) Fools are arrogant and careless - Proverbs 14:16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
Which leads to the next section.....
The behaviour of a fool
More often than not it is their way or no way.
a) a fool is angry - Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. a fool likes to be heard and draw attention to himself. Proverbs 18:2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.
b) A fool creates strife and misery. Proverbs 18:6 A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
c) A fool causes destruction - Proverbs 13: 20 20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
d) A fool spreads slander - Proverbs 10:188 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
e) A fool is wearisome - Proverbs 27:3 3 Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both.
f) A fool enjoys his own foolishness - Proverbs 10:23 A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
Can a fool be a Christian?
Galatians 5
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
*** Don't let a fool control your life!
*** YOU can NOT change a fool but you don't need to be taken down by them
*** Fools must be held accountable for their behaviour
Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools. | 
• Jun. 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment
JoAnn