Playing The Fool

1 Sam. 26:21 Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.

Playing the Fool (as seen in the Proverbs)

1. A man plays the fool when he despises godly instruction - Prov. 1:7,22 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
2. A man plays the fool when he listens to himself instead of listening to God - Prov. 10:8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. Prov. 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
3. A man plays the fool when he doesn't control his anger - Prov. 12:16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
4. A man plays the fool when he runs with the wrong crowd - Prov. 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
5. A man plays the fool when he makes light of sin - Prov. 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
6. A man plays the fool when he disregards his parents - Prov. 15:5,20 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
7. A man plays the fool when he meddles in things not his own - Prov. 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
8. A man plays the fool when he spends resources wastefully - Prov. 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
9. A man plays the fool when he doesn't learn from his mistakes - Prov. 26:11-12 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
10. A man plays the fool when he is a blabbermouth - Prov. 29:11,20 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Part 2 of an article by Dr. Shelton Smith