Solomon spends a lot of time describing the fool. In fact, the words fool and foolish appear in the Book of Proverbs close to 80 times. Solomon states numerous ways that we can make fools of ourselves: be self-reliant, don’t seek counsel, don’t consult God for guidance; don’t learn from your mistakes; make sure others know you are always right; be sure to keep your eyes on the world; blame God for your problems; and forget about self-control. In the New Testament Paul tells us that it is actually okay for us to be fools— as long as we are fools for Christ’s sake!

 

NOTE: Consider reading the verses from Proverbs in the NLT Bible version.

 

Day 1      Proverbs 1:20-33    

Reflect: What foolish behaviors are described? What makes them foolish? How would you summarize what Lady Wisdom is sharing? What warnings does she give?

Apply:    Describe these foolish traits mentioned and what may result—waywardness, complacency, simple-mindedness. How have you experienced these?  

Pray:      God, I ask for humility and teachability to grow in the understanding of Your ways. Help me to speak wisely, to live wisely, to lead wisely.

 

Day 2       Proverbs 26:4-11    

Reflect: What do you learn about dealing with a foolish person from these proverbs? Which ones bring a smile? Which ones touch a nerve? Which of them have you experienced?  

Apply:    When have you participated in a foolish act? What resulted? When have you talked someone out of a foolish act? What is different between worldly and spiritual foolishness? 

Pray:      Lord, foolishly, I still try to do things my own way. Each day, remind me to depend on You for Your wisdom and direction.

 

Day 3      Proverbs 12:15-23

Reflect: Which proverbs is the Lord drawing to your attention? Why? What foolish or sinful act is mentioned here several times and why is it detestable? 

Apply:    Do you have a strong need to be right? Why? What does that disposition cost a person? What is the primary reason for lying? What makes it so appealing? How is pride foolish? 

Pray:      Holy Spirit, may I not be blinded by my own opinions and thoughts, but instead seek guidance and wisdom from godly people around me. May I always be open to learning and growing, and to seek Your wisdom in all things. 

 

Day 4      Proverbs 17:7-16 

Reflect: Which of the behaviors listed have you participated in? When is foolishness evil and when is it not? Why is it hard for a fool to see their foolishness? How should it be tackled? 

Apply:   How do you respond to rebuke or instruction? How can you change your response to criticism? How do you respond to injustice? When have you heeded wise counsel? 

Pray:     Jesus, may pride not prevent me from finding wisdom in counsel, or keep me stubbornly holding onto my own opinion. Teach me to respond to criticism with a listening ear, humility, gratitude and prayer.

 

Day 5      1 Corinthians 3:18-20; 1 Corinthians 4:8-13     

Reflect: What is different about the way Paul talks about a fool or foolishness? What does it look like to be a fool for Christ? What kinds of worldly wisdom are foolishness to God?

Apply:   When have you become a fool so you can be wise in God’s eyes? How would you describe your dedication to Christ? When and how have you been made a fool for Him? 

Pray:     Father, may we abandon the things of this world and instead lean on what Christ has already accomplished, so that we might look to what is not yet ours. Transform us and conform us to be like Christ.

 

Put It Into Practice!

Go back through the Book of Proverbs and use it as a guide to discern how you are most likely being foolish and what you can do to replace those behaviors by listening to God’s perfect wisdom.