======================================================================== A HOUSE OF FOOLS! by Thomas Brooks ======================================================================== Summary: The sermon warns against the foolishness of prioritizing worldly things over eternal life and the salvation of one's soul. Topics: "Worldly Pleasures", "Eternal Values" Scripture References: Proverbs 14:12, Ecclesiastes 7:4, Matthew 6:19-21, Matthew 16:26, Luke 12:15, Philippians 3:19, Colossians 3:2, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, James 4:4, 1 John 2:15-17 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thomas Brooks warns against the folly of prioritizing worldly pleasures over eternal values, emphasizing that the heart of fools is consumed by trivial pursuits rather than the salvation of their souls. He illustrates this with the example of foolish people who value insignificant items over great treasures, highlighting the absurdity of neglecting spiritual concerns for temporary gains. Brooks calls for reflection on how many live as if the world is a house of fools, chasing after fleeting honors and riches while ignoring the eternal significance of their choices. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "The heart of fools is in the house of pleasure." Ecclesiastes 7:4 A fool prefers toys and trifles--above things of greatest worth. Just so, wicked and ungodly men prefer their lusts before the Lord. Upon choice, they prefer the honors, the riches and glory of the world--above their own souls and the great concerns of eternity. I have read of the foolish people of Ceylon, who preferred a consecrated ape's tooth--above an incredible mass of treasure. Such fools are all unholy people, who prefer the toys, the trifles of this world--above the pleasures and treasures which are at God's right hand. The world is full of such fools. Says one--"If you behold the lives of men, you will judge the whole world to be a house of fools!" Ah, friends! What folly can be compared to that of men's spending their time, their strength, their lives, their souls--in getting the great things of this world, and neglecting that one thing necessary--the salvation of their souls! Oh, what vanity is it to prefer . . . a smoke of honor, a blast of fame, a dream of pleasure, a wedge of gold, a Babylonish garment, and such like transitory trifles and trash --before a blessed eternity! ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/a-house-of-fools/ ========================================================================