5 types of Fools in the books of Proverbs
What are five types of fools?

simple, silly, sensual, scorning, and stubborn fools

In the Old Testament, the word fool is actually a translation of five different Hebrew words that reflect subtle differences in “types” of fools.

5 types of Fools:

1. The Simple Fool

Proverbs 22:3 (NIV) 3 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

The Hebrew word for “simple [fool]” is pethîy (peth-EE). The root word from which it is derived, pâthâh, implies extreme vulnerability, literally meaning “to be opened up.”

The simple fool opens his mind to any passing thought and opens his arms to any passing stranger. In other words, he lacks discernment.

Characteristics of a simple fool: *Believes every word
*Looks for a leader
*Ignorant of cause and effect
*Is corrupted by scorning fools *Lacks discernment and discipline *Is immature

If you want to safeguard yourself and those you love from becoming a simple fool than you need two things: Discernment and Discipline.

Proverbs 28:7 (NIV)7 A discerning son heeds instruction…

Tips to overcome a Simple Fool:
*Give training in wisdom
*Have a parent lead and praise *Teach principles of life
* Tell how scorners are punished *Make Godly Friends
*Teach Discernment and Discipline

5 types of Fools:

2. The Silly Fool
The Hebrew word that refers to a “silly fool” is ’eviyl (ev-EEL). Its definition is “to be perverse, silly.”

Characteristics of a Silly fool are: *Seeks “a good time” * Has fun breaking rules * Is committed to wrong friends * Has guilt for wrongdoing
A lot of times a silly fool is a man pleaser.
The mouth of a silly fool often gets him in trouble.

A silly fool believes that his own way of thinking is right (see Proverbs 12:15), so much so that he reacts to instruction when it is offered:

We need to respond to correction instead of reacted to it! This mean we need to be quicker to listen and slower to speak.

Tips of overcome becoming a silly Fool:
*Get plugged into a church that preaches the whole truth of the word of God (which includes preaching against sin).
*Train yourself to receive correction even when it is hard.
*Train to be a “giver” vs. “taker
*Inform parents/authorities of misdeeds
* Separate from wrong friends
*Help to gain a clear conscience

Scripture gives more warnings about the sensual fool than about any other type of fool. His motives and methods are subtle. He should be avoided, because those who follow him will be led astray.

“… A companion of fools [kecîyl] shall be destroyed”
(Proverbs 13:20)

“If you hang out with chickens, you’re going to cluck and if you hang out with eagles, you’re going to fly.” (Dr. Steve Maraboli)

How to conquer the Sensual fool *Turn over to court system, (learn to receive real consequences to your actions * Conquer root problems * Break wrong “soul ties” (avoid hanging out with fools) *Learn to flee from sexual sins and other fleshly desires (Run Forest Run!)

5 types of Fools:

4. The Scorning Fool
The Hebrew wod denotes a “scorning fool” is luwtus (LOOTS). It means “to make mouth at, i.e to scoff”.

Characteristics of a Scorning Fool *Gets simple fools to do evil *Despised rules and authorities *Creates unrest and contention *Is proud of evil exploits

Psalm 1:1 describes the progression of foolishness, referring to a man who first walks {in the counsel of the ungodly, “then stands “in the way of sinners”, and finally sits “in the seat of scornful (luwts).”

How to overcome the scorning fool:
*Confine to constant supervision
*Publicly punish for crimes
*Remove from contact with others
*Require hard work, restitution in order to move forward.

5 types of Fools:

5. The StubbornFool
The Hebrew word nabal (naw-bawl), which means “stupid, wicked,” identifies they type of person. Elsewhere in the OT, nabal also translated as vile person.
A stubborn fool totally rejects God and His ways.

Characteristics of a Stubborn Fool *Has seared conscience * Believes it is right to do wrong * Is skilled in argumentation *Seeks followers for self-gain

Tips in dealing with a stubborn fool:
*Pray! Pray moves God and only God can move the heart of a stubborn fool.
*Refeuse to argue, expose his folly
*Warn others of his errors.

Foolishness (folly) is sin, let us also be aware of the fact that sin is foolishness.

Whenever we choose to sin, we are choosing to play the part of the fool.