'Fool' in the Bible
Suddenly he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter [not knowing the outcome],Or as one in stocks going to the correction [to be given] to a fool,
He who hides hatred has lying lips,And he who spreads slander is a fool.
Engaging in evil is like sport to the fool [who refuses wisdom and chases sin],But to a man of understanding [skillful and godly] wisdom brings joy.
The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes,But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.
Every prudent and self-disciplined man acts with knowledge,But a [closed-minded] fool [who refuses to learn] displays his foolishness [for all to see].
He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise,But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm.
A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil,But the fool is arrogant and careless.
The tongue of the wise speaks knowledge that is pleasing and acceptable,But the [babbling] mouth of fools spouts folly.
A [flippant, arrogant] fool rejects his father’s instruction and correction,But he who [is willing to learn and] regards and keeps in mind a reprimand acquires good sense.
The mind of the intelligent and discerning seeks knowledge and eagerly inquires after it,But the mouth of the [stubborn] fool feeds on foolishness.
Excellent speech does not benefit a fool [who is spiritually blind],Much less do lying lips benefit a prince.
A reprimand goes deeper into one who has understanding and a teachable spiritThan a hundred lashes into a fool.
Let a man meet a [ferocious] bear robbed of her cubsRather than the [angry, narcissistic] fool in his folly.
Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,When he has no common sense or even a heart for it?
He who becomes the parent of a fool [who is spiritually blind] does so to his sorrow,And the father of a fool [who is spiritually blind] has no joy.
[Skillful and godly] wisdom is in the presence of a person of understanding [and he recognizes it],But the eyes of a [thickheaded] fool are on the ends of the earth.
Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.
A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding,But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity].
Better is a poor man who walks in his integrityThan a [rich] man who is twisted in his speech and is a [shortsighted] fool.
Luxury is not fitting for a fool;Much less for a slave to rule over princes.
It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife [by handling situations with thoughtful foresight],But any fool will [start a] quarrel [without regard for the consequences].
When the scoffer is punished, the naive [observes the lesson and] becomes wise;But when the wise and teachable person is instructed, he receives knowledge.
Do not speak in the ears of a fool,For he will despise the [godly] wisdom of your words.
Wisdom is too exalted for a [hardened, arrogant] fool;He does not open his mouth in the gate [where the city’s rulers sit in judgment].
Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest,So honor is not fitting for a [shortsighted] fool.
Do not answer [nor pretend to agree with the frivolous comments of] a [closed-minded] fool according to his folly,Otherwise you, even you, will be like him.
Answer [and correct the erroneous concepts of] a fool according to his folly,Otherwise he will be wise in his own eyes [if he thinks you agree with him].
He who sends a message by the hand of a foolCuts off his own feet (sabotages himself) and drinks the violence [it brings on himself as a consequence].
Like the legs which are useless to the lame,So is a proverb in the mouth of a fool [who cannot learn from its wisdom].
Like one who [absurdly] binds a stone in a sling [making it impossible to throw],So is he who [absurdly] gives honor to a fool.
Like a thorn that goes [without being felt] into the hand of a drunken man,So is a proverb in the mouth of a fool [who remains unaffected by its wisdom].
Like a [careless] archer who [shoots arrows wildly and] wounds everyone,So is he who hires a fool or those who [by chance just] pass by.
Like a dog that returns to his vomitIs a fool who repeats his foolishness.
Do you see a man [who is unteachable and] wise in his own eyes and full of self-conceit?There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Even though you pound a [hardened, arrogant] fool [who rejects wisdom] in a mortar with a pestle like grain,Yet his foolishness will not leave him.
He who trusts confidently in his own heart is a [dull, thickheaded] fool,But he who walks in [skillful and godly] wisdom will be rescued.
If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish and arrogant man,The foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement).
A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger,But a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back.
Do you see a [conceited] man who speaks quickly [offering his opinions or answering without thinking]?There is more hope for a [thickheaded] fool than for him.
Under a servant when he reigns,Under a [spiritually blind] fool when he is filled with food,