'Fools' in the Bible
The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence];But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.
“How long, O naive ones [you who are easily misled], will you love being simple-minded and undiscerning?How long will scoffers [who ridicule and deride] delight in scoffing,How long will fools [who obstinately mock truth] hate knowledge?
“For the turning away of the naive will kill them,And the careless ease of [self-righteous] fools will destroy them.
The wise will inherit honor and glory,But dishonor and shame is conferred on fools.
“O you naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], understand prudence and seek astute common sense;And, O you [closed-minded, self-confident] fools, understand wisdom [seek the insight and self-discipline that leads to godly living].
The lips of the righteous feed and guide many,But fools [who reject God and His wisdom] die for lack of understanding.
A shrewd man is reluctant to display his knowledge [until the proper time],But the heart of [over-confident] fools proclaims foolishness.
Desire realized is sweet to the soul;But it is detestable to fools to turn away from evil [which they have planned].
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.
The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way,But the foolishness of [shortsighted] fools is deceit.
Fools mock sin [but sin mocks the fools],But among the upright there is good will and the favor and blessing of God.
The crown of the wise is their wealth [of wisdom],But the foolishness of [closed-minded] fools is [nothing but] folly.
Wisdom rests [silently] in the heart of one who has understanding,But what is in the heart of [shortsighted] fools is made known.
Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it,But to give instruction and correction to fools is foolishness.
Judgments are prepared for scoffers,And beatings for the backs of [thickheaded] fools.
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,And a rod for the backs of fools [who refuse to learn].