Proverbs - Part 11
Foolishness vs Wisdom in Proverbs
Meeting Purpose
To explore the five types of fools described in the Book of Proverbs.
Key Takeaways
Proverbs defines five Hebrew terms for "fool," each representing a distinct stage of resistance to wisdom, from the naive pate to the incorrigible leets.
The fear of the Lord—reverent awe and submission—is the foundational prerequisite for all wisdom, as it roots one's pursuit of knowledge in worship.
The five types of fools form a spectrum of hope, with the naive pate being teachable and the leets (scoffer) being beyond correction.
The study is a tool for self-reflection, prompting participants to identify their own tendencies toward foolishness and to develop discernment in relationships.
Topics
The Source & Foundation of Wisdom
The Book of Proverbs provides the framework for understanding wisdom and foolishness.
Purpose (Proverbs 1:1–7): To impart skillful living, discernment, and justice.
Foundation (Proverbs 1:7): The fear of the Lord is the starting point of knowledge.
Source: Wisdom originates from God's mouth (Proverbs 2:6) and is revealed through His Word (Psalm 19:7).
Significance: The fear of the Lord is the essential prerequisite for all revealed knowledge, functioning like an alphabet for reading or notes for music.
The Five Fools of Proverbs
- The five Hebrew terms for "fool" represent a digression from teachability to incorrigibility.
- 1. Pate (Simpleton):
Characteristics: Naive, gullible, indiscriminate, and young.
Hope: Teachability. The purpose of Proverbs is to give discernment to the pate.
Action: Can learn prudence by seeing a scoffer punished.
- 2. Kassil (Obstinate):
Characteristics: Stubborn, deceitful, quarrelsome, and rejects rebuke.
Hope: Limited. Kassil hates wisdom but is still invited by it.
Prevalence: The most common type of fool in Proverbs (50 uses).
- 3. Evel (Despiser):
Characteristics: Despises wisdom, mocks sin, and is prone to unreasonable wrath.
Hope: Little. Evel knows better but chooses to do wrong.
Action: Severe punishment cannot cure this fool.
- 4. Nabal (Reviler):
Characteristics: Ignoble, arrogant, and insensible to God.
Hope: None. No one can speak to this person (1 Samuel 25).
- 5. Leets (Scoffer):
Characteristics: Incorrigible, contentious, and hates all rebuke.
Hope: None. Proverbs advises against reasoning with a scoffer.
Concluding Thoughts & Self-Reflection
Key Distinction: The difference between wise and foolish is not intellect, but a willingness to pursue wisdom and receive reproof.
Practical Applications: Early discipline is crucial; avoid evil company; and use discernment in friendships and discipleship.
Self-Reflection Questions:
How can my fear of the Lord be developed?
Where am I indiscriminate (pate) or obstinate (kassil)?
Am I susceptible to despising (evel) instruction or scoffing (leets)?
7 Contemplations to pursue wisdom & resist foolishness
What is it that the wise have and yet none of the fools have?
How can my ‘fear of the Lord’ be further developed?
Are there areas of my life where I am too indiscriminate?
Where might I be obstinate to the Lord’s leading?
Are there any areas of instruction that I tend to despise?
When might I be prone to revile Godliness or the Godly?
How susceptible am I to scoffing?
Concluding Observations & Implications concerning Wisdom & Foolishness
Fools often have great intellect; however, “. . . distinctions of fools from wise is not mental acumen, but willingness to pursue wisdom and receive reproof.” 8
“Early discipline is important. Pr.22:15”8
“Avoid ewîl and do not waste your time, they will pull you down!” 8 2 tim.2:23
Reprove a Scoffer lîṣ only 2x and remove them on 3rd time 8 Pr. 22:10
“Discernment is needed when determining friendships” 8
“Discernment of people needed when determining a discipleship ministry.” 8
Next Steps
All Participants:
Download the presentation file for references and deeper study.
Read Proverbs 30 in The Message translation.
Reflect on the self-assessment questions to identify personal tendencies toward foolishness.