How To Spot A Fool According To The Bible

 The Bible has a lot to say about fools.  The book of Proverbs are chock full of verses that talk about the contrast between the fool and the wise.  It is implied that it is not good to be a fool.  It is implied that folly does not lead to anywhere pleasant, but rather trouble.

But why are we as Christians to spot fools anyway?  What practical purpose does that serve?  For starters, you will know who NOT to preach to:

Pro 23:9  Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

Yes, it's true:  The Bible commands us NOT to preach to fools.  So who is a fool?  Here are some ways to tell:

1. They are atheistic in their heart:

Psa 14:1  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 

Psa 53:1  To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. 

Anyone who is a devout Atheist, especially one who openly proclaims it, is called, by Scripture, a fool.  Penn Jilette is one who openly proclaims his atheism.  I have once seen a video of actor John DeLancie speaking at an Atheist rally, and also one where he proclaims himself to be "Openly Secular":

Again, these are just a couple of famous examples of atheists who are proud and open about their lack of faith.  And the Bible confirms that you can trust the fact that what they plainly say is coming from their heart:

Luk 6:45  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. 

However, I myself do not call them fools, for it is written:

Mat 5:22b  ...but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 

I may be taking it out of context, but what is not out of context is the fact that, to me at least, the word "fool" is no light word in light of the above text.

2. They utter a slander:

Pro 10:18  He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. 

3. They despise their father's instruction:

Pro 15:5  A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. 

4. They have no delight in understanding:

Pro 18:2  A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. 

The ESV renders that verse as this:

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

5. They trust their own heart, or "follow their heart":

Pro 28:26 (ESV)  Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. 

To "trust your gut" is also following your heart, according to the context.  Make your decisions based on truth and wisdom!

6. They always say what's on their mind:

Pro 29:11 (ESV)  A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. 

7. They talk constantly:

Ecc 5:3 (ESV)  For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words. 

Ecc 10:14 (ESV)  A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be, and who can tell him what will be after him? 

There are probably many more ways a fool can be spotted, but these are seven ways that I know of that directly connect to the word "fool".