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 to play the fool, we want to do it in stage one so that we will respond to the consequences of our foolishness with repentance and wisdom.

Are you learning from the negative circumstances of your life? Try this little exercise: open your calendar and examine your appointments. Ask God to illuminate any gullible or naive behavior. If He does, confess the pride underneath the foolishness and humbly surrender it to Him. Listen to Solomon’s counsel when he says, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

For more, watch The Restoration Road with Mitch Kruse, Episode 7: A Fool’s Sin and the Restorer’s Grace

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