More Hope for a Fool

I have watched numerous debates on a wide range of topics—political, economic, psychological, and, of course, theological. Unfortunately, some of these debates devolve into chaos, with both participants engaging in petty tantrums, or at least one stubbornly refusing to consider any perspective but their own. What should be an environment of decorum and dignity can easily turn into a circus. At times, those who flaunt their credentials end up tarnishing their character by playing the fool.

No one wants to be considered a fool. The word itself comes from the Latin term follis, which refers to an inflated ball or bag (hence the term “windbag”). It paints the picture of someone who is empty-headed and easily misled. In 1906, a children’s nursery rhyme captured this well: “It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.”

Yet King Solomon identified two attitudes even worse than foolishness. He wrote, “Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Proverbs 26:12), and likewise, “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Proverbs 29:20). Pride and impatience can be more destructive than folly. The prideful person places himself on a pedestal, looking down on others. He is unable to see eye to eye with anyone and unwilling to examine the flaws in his own thinking.

As for the one who is known to be hasty and rash, he undermines any opportunity to reconcile with others—or at the very least, to earn a measure of sympathy for his views. By refusing to think before speaking, rushing to judgment without understanding the whole matter, he becomes worse than a fool. For the Christian, he should not only strive to walk in wisdom but also seek to manifest humility and a quiet, patient spirit. May God grant us all such character.