Wise vs. Fool

So be careful how you live. 

Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.

Ephesians 5:15

After reading this I was interested in knowing what the bible said about the characteristics of a fool and a wise person.  Obviously we all want to be living like those who are wise, but I question what makes one wise and what makes him a fool.  Here is the result of my research.  It definitely opened my eyes to my own actions and has made me think of the way I do things and handle situations.  I hope you can take from it some encouragement to either continue on your wise path, keeping in mind those actions that can quickly take you off that path.  Or if you are finding yourself a fool I pray that you can be encouraged to change your thinking so that you can be closer to God, finding the joy that comes from living like Jesus.  

A fool..........

- shows anger (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

- is resentful (Job 5:2)

- is dishonest (Provervbs 19:1)

- boasts (2 Corinthians 11:17)

- is sinful (Proverbs 24:9)

- commits adultery (Proverbs 6:32)

- destroys himself (Proverbs 6:32)

- slanders others (Proverbs 10:18)

- feeds on trash, untruth (Proverbs 15:4, Isaiah 44:20)

- repeats his foolishness (Proverbs 26:11)

- uses too many words (Ecclesiastes 5:3)

- takes the wrong road (Ecclesiastes 10:2)

- makes his own god (Isaiah 44:10)

- babbles (Proverbs 10:14)

- is quick tempered (Proverbs 12:16)

- despises discipline (Proverbs 15:5, Proverbs 1:17)

- is proud (Proverbs 30:32, Proverbs 14:3)

- plots evil (Proverbs 30:32, Psalm 14:1)

- is unreliable (Proverbs 26:6)

- belches out foolishness or untruth (Proverbs 15:2, Isaiah 32:6)

- doesn't respond to discipline (Proverbs 17:10)

- thinks only about the present and having a good time (Ecclesiastes 7:4)

- despises wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 18:2, Proverbs 1:17, Provervbs 23:9)

- gets into quarrels (Proverbs 18:6, Proverbs 20:31)

- stores up earthly riches but has no relationship with God (Luke 12:21)

- trusts in things that can't help him (Isaiah 44:20)

- says there is no God (Psalm 14:1)

- vents his anger (Proverbs 29:11)

- thinks his own way is right (Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 28:26)

- deceives himself (Proverbs 14:8)

- spends all his money (Proverbs 21:20)

- is destroyed by his own complacency (Proverbs 1:32)

- has wandering eyes (Proverbs 17:24)

- has a lack of common sense (Proverbs 10:2)

- makes fun of guilt (Proverbs 14:9)

- plunges ahead with reckless confidence (Proverbs 14:16)

- is lazy (Ecclesiastes 10:15)

- deprives the hungry of food and water (Isaiah 32:6)

- is put to shame (Proverbs 3:35)

A wise person..........

- holds back his anger (Proverbs 29:11)

- gives wise, persuasive speech (Proverbs 16:23)

- welcomes advice (Proverbs 13:10, Proverbs 20:18, Proverbs 12:15)

- inherits honor (Proverbs 3:35)

- welcomes discipline (Proverbs 15:31, Proverbs 9:8)

- uses few words (Proverbs 17:27)

- is even tempered (Proverbs 17:27)

- is mighty and strong (Proverbs 24:5)

- calms anger (Proverbs 29:8)

- chooses the right road (Ecclesiastes 10:2)

- brings healing (Proverbs 12:18)

- is humble (Proverbs 12:23, James 3:13)

- shines bright (Daniel 12:3)

- is hungry for knowledge (Proverbs 15:14, Proverbs 10:4)

- stays calm when insulted (Proverbs 12:16)

- gives good advice (Proverbs 15:7)

- thinks about eternity and "big picture" (Ecclesiastes 7:4)

- fears the Lord (Proverbs 1:17)

- has wealth and luxery (Proverbs 21:20)

- walks in wisdom (Proverbs 28:26)

- has an understanding heart (Proverbs 14:33)

- thinks before he acts (Proverbs 13:16)

- avoids danger (Proverbs 14:16)

Dear God, thank you for showing me the ways in which I can live to my fullest potential.  Help me to be wise and seek wisdom instead of getting caught in worldly living.  Show me the way to change and give me guidance on what to do.  I want to live like Jesus and I thank you for being patient with me.  Amen