Ten Ways to Avoid Being a Fool

No one wants to be called a fool, yet they’re all around us. We all make personal choices. A fool is someone who lacks good sense, makes stupid decisions, and deals with their life in a thoughtless, careless, and irresponsible way. Both men and women can act like fools.

Hopefully you won’t see yourself anywhere on this list:  

1. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” (Psalm 14:1)*
2. A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless. (Proverbs 14:16)
3. It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. (Proverbs 20:3)
4. A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. (Proverbs 29:11)
5. Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands. (Proverbs 14:1)
6. He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)
7. The prudent see danger and take cover; but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. (Proverbs 27:12)
8. A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray. (Proverbs 12:26)
9. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of a fool spouts folly. (Proverbs 15:2)
10. The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse. (Proverbs 10:32)

Here are three things you can do if you don’t want to be a fool:

• Start being wise; have a respectful fear of God (Proverbs 9:10)
• Be willing to listen to good counsel (Proverbs 12:15)
• Read the Scriptures for yourself to be wise (2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Wise people use good judgment and common sense. They carefully consider their ways. You will not find them in the careless “eat, drink, and be merry” crowd because they thoughtfully consider the results of their decisions.  

If you fit any of the foolish categories, make a wise decision now to change your ways. If you sincerely want to change, God will help you. Call upon Him, as David did in Psalm 51:17: A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. 

*Scriptures are from: The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible, BSB. Copyright 2022 by Bible Hub. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

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