Proverbs 16:28 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
For decades, our family has put a large puzzle together over the Christmas season. For us, it is an enjoyable project. It encourages us to take time out of busy schedules to simply spend time together and visit. But there is also a sense of satisfaction as, one by one, pieces of the puzzle are added, and we see a clear picture emerge. In the book of Proverbs, God gives us a clear picture, though an unflattering one, of a fool.
A fool can easily be identified by at least ten characteristics described by King Solomon.
1. He just won't listen when given wise counsel:
- Proverbs 15:32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
2. He tends to be looking for trouble and is usually harsh in his words:
- Proverbs 15:26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.
- Proverbs 18:6-8 The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.
The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
3. Criticizing others has become his favorite sport:
- Proverbs 10:18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.
4. He seems to always think he is right and that wrong is right:
- Proverbs 12:15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
- Proverbs 10:23 A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.
5. As someone once said: "It is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt:
- Proverbs 13:16 All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly.
and, perhaps he does so because :
- Proverbs 14:16 The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
6. Proverbs also conveys the concepts that a fool will not heed reproof :
Proverbs 17:10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.
7. speaks when he should listen:
Proverbs 17:28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.
8. will be continually "meddling" to stir up strife
Proverbs 20:3 It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel
9. Fools give vent to their rage:
Proverbs 29:11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
10. A busybody who delights to gossip continually about others or inserts themself into the affairs of others:
- Proverbs 16:28 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
As we look carefully at this picture of a fool, we should each ask ourselves if any of these qualities describe us. If so, we should do something about it. Take one or two of these practices you know you need to work on, ask the Lord to enable you to change your pattern, then ask a godly loved one to hold you accountable in this area. In so doing, allow God to transform you.
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