5 Types of Fools in the Bible {From Proverbs}

In another article- Bible Verses About Fools, so much was learned about foolish people and the way they conduct their lives. Through that word study, it became increasingly clear that there were different types of fools in the Bible. As a result, a deeper dive was taken into the original Hebrew about the word “fool”. What I found was that there are different Hebrew words for different kinds of fools. We miss that in our English translations because the different Hebrew words are translated as “fool” in all cases.

Why might this be helpful information? Relationships are the biggest part of our lives. We are made for relationship with God (most imortant relationship) and relationship with others. Unless you live alone on an island, you cannot escape people and relationships. You probably have some great relationships that bring you great joy. Additionally, you might have some relationships that are quite challenging or even cause harm and pain on a regular basis. Knowledge of the characteristics and descriptions of the types of fools in the Bible will prove helpful. This will be good information for you when navigating those relationships. Let’s dive in…

Wisdom of God vs. Wisdom of This World

The Book of Proverbs describes and contrasts the wisdom of God and the wisdom of this world.  According to the Bible, wisdom is highly valued, and it is directly tied to fear of the Lord and seeking His wisdom. God’s Word is full of Truth about our greatest needs, relationships and how to live. Wise men seek knowledge of God’s wisdom in His Word, growing in 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.

Alternatively, a fool hates knowledge. 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, lack of self-control and sometimes their rebellion against God. In the Bible, the word “fool” carries deep moral and spiritual implications, going beyond mere lack of intelligence. 

Matthew 7:26 – And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.

​Powerful Bible Verses on Wisdom and Knowledge

Types of Fools in the Bible

As I read through the Bible verses about fools, it became clear that there were some key differences. In the original Hebrew terms such as Kesîl, Lêtz, Petî, and Evîl differentiate the differences. These terms reflect a progression in the depth and nature of foolishness. The progression grows from naivety to arrogance and moral corruption. Before we get into the types of fools in the Bible, check out Romans 1:28-29 noting that rejecting God leads to increased sin and destructiveness.

Romans 1:28-29 – And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips…

Simple Fool

The first type of fool, a simple fool  (Petî in Hebrew) is someone who is described as naive or inexperienced. This type of fool is gullible, easily persuaded and inticed. However, they are typically open minded- to either the instruction of wisdom or folly.

Stubborn Fool

The next kind of fool is the stubborn fool (Kesîl in Hebrew). In biblical terms, a stubborn or scorning fool is resistant to change and scorns wisdom, making them difficult to teach or reason with.. They tend to believe their own understanding is right. This is different from the simple fool who is open to learning. In summary, they hate knowledge. Their lack of change or correction can lead to their own demise.

Mocking Fool

The mocking fool (Lêtz in Hebrew) seems to take a turn for the worse. They are characterized by arrogance and pride. They not only reject God’s wisdom, but also mock and criticize it. This type of fool seems to relish in conflict and disunity. In Hebrew, “Lêtz”  and “Lûs” are both terms that can be translated as scoffer, mocker, or fool, but they carry slightly different meanings. A scoffer or mocker is someone who ridicules or makes fun of others, often with contempt and disrespect. A fool is a person who lacks wisdom or good judgment, consistently making poor choices or rejecting correction.

Sensual Fool

The sensual fool (Evîl in Hebrew) is morally corrupt, impulsive and indulges in sinful behavior. They not only reject wisdom, but engages in evil and depravity. 

Hardenend Fool

The final type of fool is the hardened fool (Nabal in Hebrew). This is a steadfast fool, firmly committed to their foolishness and total depravity. They completely reject the existence of God. Additionally, a word study in the Blue Letter Bible used synonyms such as wicked, vile, disgraceful and ignoble. Ignoble means to engage in behavior that is considered shameful or morally dishonorable. This is a deadly form of fool.

Psalm 14:1 – The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.

The Simple Fool (Petî in Hebrew)

The following verses translate the word “simple” or “fool” as peti in Hebrew. This kind of person is easily persauded, either in wisdom or folly.

 Proverbs 1:22 – How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 7:7 – And I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense.

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

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

Proverbs 9:4 – Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says.

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

Psalm 116:6 – The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.

Psalm 119:130 – The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

The final verse (Psalm 119:130) outlines the best way to overcome simple ways and become a wise person…God’s Word!

The Stubborn Fool (Kesîl in Hebrew)

The following verses translate kesil in Hebrew as fool. Note that this fool is characterized by rejecting correction and wisdom. This leads to repeating the same mistakes.

Proverbs 1:32 – For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Mocking Fool (Lêtz in Hebrew | mockers/scoffers- Lus in Hebrew)

The following verses use letz and lus interchangeably to describe mockers and scoffers as fools. Check out the verses below about how this type of fool is wise in his own ways and his own eyes. This fool does not seek wisdom and he rejects correction.

​Proverbs 9:7-8 – Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

Proverbs 13:1 – A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 14:6 – A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.

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

Proverbs 15:12 – A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.

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

Proverbs 22:10 – Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.

Isaiah 28:22 – Now therefore do not scoff, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard a decree of destruction from the Lord God of hosts against the whole land.

​The Sensual Fool (Evîl in Hebrew)

These verses show how the sensual fool disregards discipline and wisdom in favor of immediate pleasure, mocking morality and choosing a path of destruction. They emphasize the dangers of rejecting correction and indulging in impulsive, sinful behavior.

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

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

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

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

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

The Hardened Fool (Nabal in Hebrew)

The “Hardened Fool” (Nabal in Hebrew) refers to someone who is morally corrupt, refuses to acknowledge God, and is often associated with wickedness. This type of fool is stubborn in their rejection of righteousness and God’s authority. Rejection of God is a deadly form of foolishness. Isaiah 32:6 below is one of the most telling verses as it demonstrates the hardened fool is actually scheming sin in their heart. Read more about how that aligns with the enemy here. 

Psalm 14:1 – The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.

1 Samuel 25:25 – Let not my lord regard this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But I your servant did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent.

Nabal is an example of a hardened fool in the Bible. His name literally means “fool,” and his actions embody arrogance, pride, and a rejection of wisdom and decency.

Proverbs 17:7 – Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.

Isaiah 32:6 – For the fool speaks folly, and his heart is busy with iniquity, to practice ungodliness, to utter error concerning the Lord, to leave the craving of the hungry unsatisfied, and to deprive the thirsty of drink.

​Psalm 74:18 – Remember this, O Lord, how the enemy scoffs, and a foolish people reviles your name.

Proverbs 17:7 – Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.

Wrapping Up Types of Fools in the Bible

Foolishness is the opposite of wisdom. Proverbs highlights that the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord. Foolish rejection of God and God’s redeeming grace is leads to death. There is clearly a progression of the types of fools in the Bible. Understanding this reality helps us to be a wise Christian when navigating life and relationships with a fool. A few ways this information has helped me: First, when I understand the type of fool I’m dealing with, I can choose to stop convincing a fool of what is right according to God’s Word. I can recognize the difference between a someone who is open to wisdom and one who is not. How will understanding the types of fools in the Bible help you? Leave your wisdom in the comments!