According to dictionary.com, a fool is a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense.
The Bible is full of vivid pictures about fools.
The Scriptures generally define fools as people who don’t “catch on” or just continue to repeat the same dumb mistakes.
On the contrary, the wise man learns from his own mistakes and learns from the mistakes of others so they can avoid repeating them.
So let’s take a look at the book of Proverbs for a little guidance from some fools!
Proverbs 13:16
In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.
Flaunting our foolishness is so prevalent in America isn’t it? How many people do you know that have purchased cars and homes they can’t afford to impress people they don’t even like?
They flaunt their possessions – they showcase their trinkets – and they glamorize their debt-laden treasures!
The prudent man is less concerned about flaunting their stuff and more concerned about acting wisely, with knowledge.
Think – Millionaire Next Door! What authors Thomas Stanley and William Danko figured out through their research was that the majority of those who live in upscale neighborhoods and had high incomes were not weathy – they just lived high on the hog.
The wealthy were actually the “regular Joe’s”, but no one knew because they didn’t flaunt their wealth.
Proverbs 14:16
One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.
What do you think of when you hear the terms reckless and careless? Someone out of control. Maybe someone who sees the danger of their ways, but just doesn’t care enough to change.
Many of us see the danger of spending more than we make or living to keep up with the Joneses and we know that ultimately our finances will be destroyed – but we just keep racking up debt, living for ourselves and buying things that in five years will be in a garbage dump somewhere!
The wise man is cautious, sees the troubles that living frivolously causes and makes some changes!
Proverbs 15:5
A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
Man, this one is so convicting isn’t it? How many of us have disregarded dad’s advice and gone and done our own thing? I know I have.
The wise man listens to those who are older and wiser, takes their advice, implements it and turns out better for it. We too often ignore the instruction of the older, wiser sage thinking that we can figure it all out on our own.
How many times have you said, “I wish I knew then what I know now”. Well, don’t let that happen. Listen to dad, search for someone older and wiser and hear what they have to say about finances and life!
Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.
I’ve always loved this Proverb! Of course, when I was a kid I thought it was cool because vomit was in there, but now I can see the wisdom of it. C’mon a guy just loves this.
I grew up having a dog in the house. I loved that dog. But you know what? That dog would inevitably get sick, throw up and then go back and eat it.
I know, I know – it’s disgusting, but it’s the truth.
Now think about that for a moment…can you even imagine doing that? NO WAY!
And yet, we all do. Almost daily, we repeat the same dumb mistakes, commit the same stupid missteps that lead us down a path of financial turmoil.
It’s time to make some changes, it’s time to stop being that dog!
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from foolish mistakes?
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