In the wisdom literature of the Bible, foolish behavior is contrasted with wisdom and righteousness. According to Proverbs, a fool is characterized by a lack of self-control, as seen in their unguarded speech and reckless actions, as noted in Proverbs 18:2 and 18:6. The book of Proverbs also warns that fools despise wisdom and instruction, as stated in Proverbs 1:7, and that their arguments often lead to quarrels, as seen in Proverbs 29:9. Furthermore, Proverbs 29:11 advises that fools give full vent to their anger, highlighting the importance of self-control and wisdom in one's words and deeds.
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The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes. Like cutting off one’s own feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool. Like lame legs hanging limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. Like binding a stone into a sling is the giving of honor to a fool. Like a thorn that falls into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or passerby. As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.
Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work, to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone. For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life. This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good.