Biblical Fool

[liars_paradox]

It seems that many of the OT books, Proverbs, Psalms, or Ecc. (are all that I can think of) where they speak of someone being a fool. I imagine that they're more than just someone who's lacking in intelligence - like someone who's mentally handicapped. More like how many of us might view an idiot, that is someone who makes alot of bad decisions.

The first question I have, is that interpretation correct? Is fool used in the bible similar to how I described an idiot being?

Another question I have is, how do you know if you're the fool in the bible or not? How do you avoid being the biblical fool?

 

[ebia]

I would say it's more about someone lacking God's wisdom than about lacking intellect.

 

[ittarter]

The first question I have, is that interpretation correct? Is fool used in the bible similar to how I described an idiot being?

According to the so-called Wisdom tradition in the Bible (comprising mainly Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and some psalms), a fool is someone who chooses not to live in harmony with the universal laws of life which God has ordained for the whole human race. These "laws" cause the righteous to prosper and the wicked to suffer, but the fool is blind to these long-term consequences of his or her actions, and makes decisions that run contrary to what is best in the long-run not only for himself/herself but also for everyone around him/her.

Another question I have is, how do you know if you're the fool in the bible or not? How do you avoid being the biblical fool?

Well, for example, if you don't want to be a fool, you shouldn't walk in the counsel of the ungodly, but rather delight yourself in the Torah of Yhwh (Ps. 1). You should receive instruction from the wise, increase your learning with it, and listen especially to the instruction of your parents (Prov. 1). And so on.