81 Surprising Bible Verses About Fools

There are so many wonderful truths to know as we cover Bible verses about fools. The Word of God helps us in identifying fools and even how to handle fools. Almost all the Bible verses in this article comes from the Book of Proverbs. As you  review the passages ask God to show you any foolish ways in your own heart. Additionally, ask Him to open your eyes to people in your life who act foolishly. He will give you wisdom in navigating challenging relationships. Let’s go!

What makes a man wise?

According to the Bible, wisdom is highly valued, and it is directly tied with fear of the Lord and seeking His wisdom. God’s Word is full of Truth about our greatests needs, relationships and how to live. When we seek knowledge of God in His Word, we grow in wisdom. As you navigate these verses notice the emphasis on seeking God for wisdom.

Additionally, humility is required to gain wisdom. Without humility, one cannot receive wisdom. It requires humility to be willing to receive wise counsel, instruction or advice from others or the Lord. Let’s see what these Bible verses from the Book of Proverbs has to say about wise men.

1 Corinthians 1:25 – For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Bible Verses About Characteristics of the Wise

Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 2:6 – For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 3:7 – Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 9:10 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Proverbs 13:10 – By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.

Proverbs 15:33 – The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 16:16 – How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Proverbs 19:20 – Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

James 3:17 – But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

1 Corinthians 1:30 – And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.

Check This Out! Powerful Bible Verses About Wisdom & Knowledge

What does it mean to be prudent?

Prudence is defined as showing care and thought for the future. In the book of Proverbs in the Bible, the term “prudent” is often used to describe a person who is characterized by wisdom, sound judgment, and careful consideration in their thoughts and actions. Being prudent in Proverbs is associated with making wise choices, showing discernment, and avoiding hasty or foolish decisions.

Proverbs 12:23 – The prudent conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

Proverbs 14:15 – The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

Proverbs 15:5 – A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

Proverbs 19:25 – Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

Proverbs 22:3 – The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

Proverbs 27:12 – The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

Matthew 10:16 – Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Luke 14:28-32 – For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?

1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

What is a scoffer in the Bible?

The term “scoffer” is used in a negative sense to describe individuals who reject wisdom and correction, showing a lack of reverence for God and His guidance. Scoffers are known by their disdain for spiritual and moral truths. Additionally, they may actively oppose those who seek to live according to God’s commands. Scoffers also defy and renounce truth and good things, not only to their own detriment and destruction, but that of others. They are provokers of others to wrong, strife, and evil.

Here are a few Bible verses that mention scoffers:

• Proverbs 21:24 – Scoffers are the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.
• 2 Peter 3:3 – Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
• Psalm 1:1 – Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.

What is a foolish person?

A fool is someone who refuses to listen to wisdom or learn from discipline. In the Bible, a “fool” is generally described as someone who lacks wisdom, understanding, and reverence for God. Fools are often portrayed as individuals who make unwise or morally questionable decisions, reject sound advice, and act in ways that are contrary to God’s teachings. The term “fool” is used to highlight a person’s folly, lack of discernment, and sometimes their rebellion against God’s guidance.

Here are a few key characteristics of a fool:

• Rejects Wisdom- A fool often despises and rejects wisdom and understanding, preferring their own ways.
• Acts Foolishly- Fools are prone to making unwise choices, lacking discernment in their decisions. There is little regard for how their choices may impact the future.
• Disobeys God’s Commands- Fools may ignore or deliberately disobey God’s commands, showing a lack of reverence for His will.
• Mocks and Scoffs- Fools may mock or ridicule God, His teachings, or those who follow them.
• Lacks Fear of the Lord- The fear of the Lord, which is considered the beginning of wisdom, is often absent in the life of a fool.
• Rejects Correction- Fools often reject correction and/or instruction.

The Bible contains numerous passages that caution against folly and encourage the pursuit of wisdom. Overall, a fool in the biblical context is someone who chooses a path of ignorance, disobedience, and unwise living, often to their own detriment. Acquiring wisdom begins with fear of the Lord. The price of wisdom additionally requires humility and willingness to receive correction. This does not define a fool. A fool has no heart to pay the price for wisdom. Notice that!

Bible Verses About Fools Rejecting Advice

Proverbs 19:20-21 – Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 12:15 – The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 23:9 – Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.

Proverbs 26:3 – A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools!

Proverbs 28:26 – Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Proverbs 10:8 – The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

Bible Verses About Fools Leading Others Astray

Proverbs 12:26 – One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Fools Manage Life With Deception

Ephesians 4:25 – Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Proverbs 10:18 – The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.

Check This Out! How to Deal With Manipulators Biblically

Bible Verses About Fools Being Quick to Anger and Conflict

James 1:19-20 –  Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Proverbs 12:16 – The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

Proverbs 18:6 – A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

Proverbs 18:7 – A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

Proverbs 20:3 – It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.

Proverbs 27:3 – A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.

Proverbs 29:9 – If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

Proverbs 29:11 – A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 – Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.

Key takeaways from these Bible verses about fools: Avoid engaging with a fool in arguing. Choosing to be wise, ignore insults. Don’t match a fool’s rage, rather hold it back and remain silent.

Fools Are Prideful

James 4:6 – But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 12:23 – The prudent conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

Proverbs 13:16 – In everything, the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.

Proverbs 26:12 – Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs 21:24 – Scoffer is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.

The opposite of pride and foolish is humility and wise. It requires humility to seek instruction and receive correction. This is a hallmark of a foolish person- prideful arrogance.

Fools Minimize Sin

John 3:20 – For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.

Proverbs 10:23 – Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.

Proverbs 14:9 – Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.

Proverbs 14:16 – One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.

Ecclesiastes 2:14 – The wise person has his eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I perceived that the same event happens to all of them.

Highlights  of these Bible verses about fools includes these descriptives: walks in darkness, reckless and careless. This is the opposite of prudent and wise.

Fools Keep Repeating the Same Mistakes

Proverbs 26:11 – Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.

We have all heard the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. This is foolish behavior.

Fools Rejects Correction

We can all relate to either being the fool rejecting correction or knowing the fool rejecting correction. Correction is a gift- speaking the truth in love is correction. In fact, correction can be an act of love as we try to rescue someone from recretting their choices.

Proverbs 19:3 – When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord.

Proverbs 12:1 – Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Proverbs 15:5 – A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

Bible Verses About Fools and the Consequences of Foolishness

Proverbs 3:35 – The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.

Admonishment for Fools

Proverbs 8:5 – O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.

Proverbs 9:6 – Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.

Proverbs 14:3 – By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

Proverbs 15:21 – Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.

Proverbs 17:28 – Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Warnings for Fools

Proverbs 10:1 – A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

Proverbs 11:29 – Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Proverbs 12:24 – The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

Proverbs 14:1 – The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.

Proverbs 14:24 – The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.

Proverbs 14:33 – Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.

Proverbs 17:24 – The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 26:7 – Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Proverbs 26:8 – Like one who binds the stone in the sling is one who gives honor to a fool.

Proverbs 26:9 – Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Proverbs 21:20 – Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

Proverbs 24:7 – Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.

Stay Away from Fools Being Foolish

Proverbs 17:12 – Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs rather than a fool in his folly.

Proverbs 16:22 – Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.

Proverbs 15:20 – A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

Proverbs 19:1 – Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

Ecclesiastes 4:5 – The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.

Ecclesiastes 7:4 – The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

Proverbs 13:20 – Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 14:7 – Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

Proverbs 22:24-25 – Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

Proverbs 9:6 – Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.

1 Corinthians 15:33 – Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’

Proverbs 26:6 – Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

Bible Verses About Fools Rejecting Christ

1 Corinthians 1:18 – For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:21 – For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.

1 Corinthians 1:23 – But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles.

Foolishness and Honor Do Not Go Together

Proverbs 26:1 – Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.

Foolishness and Laziness

Laziness has a direct correlation with foolishness. Additionally, laziness is contrasted with those who are diligent, emphasizing the value of hard work and taking responsibility for one’s life.

Proverbs 10:4 – A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

Proverbs 12:24 – The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

Proverbs 12:27 – Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.

Proverbs 13:4 – The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

Proverbs 15:19 – The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.

Proverbs 18:9  – Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

Proverbs 19:15  – Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.

Proverbs 26:16 – The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.

Bible Verses About Fools Speaking

The Bible contains several verses that provide guidance on how fools speak and the consequences of their words. Fools are often characterized by their foolish, hasty and reckless speech, which can be destructive in many ways. The prudent, on the other hand, exercise wisdom in their speech.

Proverbs 10:14 – The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.

Proverbs 12:23 – The prudent conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

Proverbs 18:2 – A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in expressing his opinion.

Proverbs 18:6 – A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

Ecclesiastes 10:14 – A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be, and who can tell him what will be after him?

Proverbs 15:7 – The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

Proverbs 15:2 – The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

What does the bible say about arguing with fools?

The Bible offers guidance on how to deal with arguments and disputes, especially when it comes to engaging with fools or those who are argumentative.

Proverbs 26:4 – Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.

Proverbs 26:5 – Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Don’t mirror foolishness when disagreeing with someone. Responding with foolishness only dignifies or validates foolish behavior and words. I think we can all agree we have been guilty of this before!

Final Thoughts On Bible Verses About Fools

These Bible verses about fools clearly speak against the behaviors that define fools. In order to move away from foolishness you must first fear the Lord and have ha humble heart. The foolish align with arrogance and pride. They all too often reject instruction and correction, believing they are wise in their own eyes. This means that a foolish person will not listen to words spoken. Remember this characteristic because it will help you in knowing how to respond to a foolish person in your life. It is additionally important to recognize any foolishness in your own life. What foolish things are you doing? I’ll go first- I have found myself doing the same thing over and over hoping for different results. Proverbs 26:11 was a great reminder for myself. Leave a comment sharing how these powerful Bible verses about fools spoke to you!