Wisdom and Foolishness

The wise and foolish are often contrasted in Proverbs. The characteristics, reputation, and results of each are worth knowing if wisdom is our goal.

 

The Wise

The Foolish

Reference

Characteristics

Give good advice

Lack common sense

10:21

 

Enjoy wisdom

Enjoy foolishness

10:23

 

Consider their steps

Gullible

14:15

   

Avoid the wise

15:12

 

Hungry for truth

Feed on foolishness

15:14

 

Value wisdom above riches

 

16:16

 

Receive life

Receive punishment

16:22

 

Respond to correction

Respond to punishment

17:10

 

Pursue wisdom

Pursue illusive dreams

17:24

   

Blame failure on God

19:3

 

Profit from correction

An example to others

19:25

   

Are proud and arrogant

21:24

   

Despise wise advice

23:9

   

Make truth useless

26:7

   

Repeat their folly

26:11

 

Trust in wisdom

Trust in themselves

28:26

 

Control their anger

Unleash their anger

29:11

Reputation

Admired as counselors

Punished as servants

10:13

 

Crowned with knowledge

Inherit folly

14:18

   

Cause strife and quarrels

22:10

   

Receive no honor

26:1

 

Keep peace

Stir up anger

29:8

Results

Stay on straight paths

Go the wrong way

15:21

   

Lash out when discovered in folly

17:12

   

Endangered by their words

18:6, 7

 

Their wisdom conquers others' strength

 

21:22

 

Avoid wicked paths

Walk a troublesome path

22:5

 

Have great advice

 

24:5

   

Will never be chosen as counselors

24:7

   

Must be guided by hardship

26:3

   

Persist in foolishness

27:22