The first stage of foolishness is the simple fool. The simple fool is gullible. Solomon advised, “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps” (Proverbs14:15). The simple fool is naïve, but still teachable-able to learn from his circumstances-leaving hope for wisdom (Proverbs 19:25; 21:11). If we are ever going […]

A study of Proverbs shows us five stages of foolish behavior from the Hebrew language. First is the gullible, or simple fool (Proverbs 14:15). The second level of hardening is the stupid fool who repeats his gullible behavior (Proverbs 26:11). The third stage is the stubborn fool who despises wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7). Fourth […]

Have you ever played the fool? King Solomon was the wisest mortal to ever live. Many of his wise sayings are captured in the biblical book of Proverbs where he had much to say about the destructiveness of being a fool. Solomon’s work focused more on the fool than, say, the liar, the cheat, or […]

The prodigal son in Jesus’ parable jumped at the chance to live free from the rules of his father; his pride fueled his decision. He survived for a while by his own giftedness and survival skills, but his foolish choices perpetuated a tug of war between pride and humility. Pride won temporarily. With his heart […]

Do you have a family heirloom passed down from one generation to the next? On his deathbed, my great-great grandfather passed down his wedding ring to his sixteen year-old grandson, my grandfather, who passed it down to me with the same message he had received: “Keep it, and pass it on to future generations.” When […]