17 Bible Verses about Fools, Characteristics Of

We are "fools" for Christ's sake, but you people [think you] are "wise" in [the fellowship of] Christ. We are weak, but you people [think you] are "strong." You are honored, but we are despised.

Now consider how you were when you were called, brothers. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were from prominent families. But God chose what the world considers foolish [i.e., people with little apparent ability], in order to shame the "wise people." And He chose what the world considers weak in order to shame what it considers strong. And He chose what the world considers insignificant and contemptible, and [even] what it considers "nothing," in order to nullify what appears to be something.read more.
This was all done so that no human being could boast in front of God. But God brought you into [fellowship with] Christ Jesus, who was made to be God's wisdom for us. Through Christ you have received a right relationship with God, [as well as] holiness and redemption [i.e., being bought back from Satan]. So, as it is written [Jer. 9:23f], "The person who [wants to] boast, let him boast about the Lord."

For the message of [Christ dying on] the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing [i.e., in a lost state], but it is God's power to us who are being saved.

Where is the wise person? And where is the expert in the law? [And] where is the debater of this world? For since, according to God's [true] wisdom, the world did not know about Him through its wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe [in Christ] through the "foolishness" of the message preached. Now Jews ask for [miraculous] signs and Greeks [i.e., Gentiles] are looking for wisdom,read more.
but we [apostles] preach that Christ was crucified [for our sins]. This message is offensive to Jews and foolishness to [unconverted] Gentiles. But to those who are called [by God to be saved], both Jews and Gentiles, [the message of] Christ is the power of God [See 1:16] and the wisdom of God. [See 1:30]. For the "foolish things" of God are wiser than men's [wisdom], and the "weakness" of God is stronger than men's [strength].

Now they knew who God was, but they did not honor Him as God or thank Him [for their blessings]. Instead they engaged in their useless speculations and their foolish minds were filled with [spiritual] darkness.

Then Jesus said to them, "You foolish men! How slow your minds are to believe everything the prophets have spoken [in their writings]!

So, be careful how you live. Do not live ignorantly, but wisely, making the most of every opportunity, because these days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

They claimed to be wise, but became fools, and exchanged the honor belonging to the immortal God for the statues of mortal men, and birds, and animals and reptiles.

Nor should obscenity, silly chatter or double-meaning jokes be used, because they are not proper either. But instead, [you should express] thanksgiving.

They strayed away [from God] by taking the wrong road like Balaam, the son of Bosor did, who loved the reward for doing wrong.

and not to listen to legends or exhaustive lists of ancestors. These [only] serve to arouse speculations, rather than [promote] God's plan which is based on faith.

that person is conceited. He does not understand anything, but has an unhealthy concern for controversy and arguments over words, which produce envy, dissension, abusive language, evil suspicions,

But refuse [to participate in] foolish and stupid arguments, knowing that they produce quarreling.

But you should avoid foolish arguments, and [pointless] discussions about ancestors, and quarrels and disputes about [observance of] the law of Moses, for they are unprofitable and useless.

But will you acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without [good] deeds is useless?

And the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees [meticulously] clean the outside of the cup and the dish [i.e., this was an allusion to their lives], but you are filled with greed for wealth and [other] evils on the inside. You foolish people! Did not the One [i.e., God] who made the outside [i.e., your body] also make the inside [i.e., your spirit]?

They claimed to be wise, but became fools,