Proverbs 10:8

He who winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will be ruined.

Chapter ten of Proverbs begins a series of chapters which utilize the linguistic style of contrasts and comparisons to discuss a huge variety of very practical topics. Everything from money matters, to a good work ethic, to honest business dealings, to relationship discernment is discussed over the next nine chapters. Fools and foolish are often found in these pages. We will have plenty of material to keep us busy for the 31 days that we cover the word; fools!

Today’s verse, Proverbs 10:8 has a companion verse close by in verse fourteen.

Wise men store up knowledge, but with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

Interestingly, of the 26 times the Hebrew word for fool/foolish [Strongs H191] is used in the OT, 19 of those references are in Proverbs! Could it be Solomon’s own foolishness which he allowed in his intimate life practices provoked him to warn his son about the ruin which comes from a fool’s mindset? We can’t say for sure. What we can be sure of, is that God used Solomon to warn us a bunch of times throughout Proverbs to not be a fool! So, what is the biblical definition of a fool and what are the consequences. 

A Fool is: 

• One who despises wisdom.
• One who mocks when guilty.
• One who is quarrelsome.
• One who is licentious.

To Be Ruined is:

• To be thrown down.
• To be cast out.
• To be in terror.
• To be destroyed.

These two lists are not very pleasant to think of at all! Wouldn’t it be far better if we were known for the exact opposite of these lists?

Elaine is:

• One who cherishes wisdom.
• One who is repentant when guilty.
• One who is gracious and kind.
• One who is modest and meek.

Elaine is:

• Lifted up.
• Welcomed.
• Calm and Peaceful.
• Effective.

We know we do not keep to the standard of these second lists as often as we should. But just being mindful of who a fool is and the consequences of being foolish should be enough to compel us to pursue the very opposite of fools and foolishness daily and in every way!

And especially for us to stay away from the epitome of foolishness…

The fool has said in his heart, there is no God. (The Psalmist, King David)