If you love to goof around, act silly, or make people laugh—no worries. That’s not the kind of foolishness we’re talking about.
Instead, God uses the word fool to show us how to be wise.
The way of fools seems right to them,
but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15
Short but powerful, this verse points us in the right direction—away from egotism and pride, and toward humility and a teachable spirit.
The way…
Foolish people “suppose their way is straight” (CJB), when it’s clearly crooked. They “follow their own directions” (VOICE), rather than reading God’s map.
My-Way-or-the-Highway thinking never gets us where we want to go. If you’ve walked down that road, you know what a truly dead end it is. So been there. So done that. So grateful for God’s infinite mercy.
…of fools…
Here’s how God describes those of us who’ve been foolish: we’re “stubborn” (GW), “headstrong” (MSG), and “stupid” (GNT). Yes, yes, and yes.
It’s plural—fools—so at least we’re not alone, but I’d rather avoid going through life wearing a dunce cap. Not very flattering.
Want a perfect example of a fool? Abigail said of her first husband, Nabal: “He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him” (1 Samuel 25:25). Nabal was a rich man, but poor when it came to wisdom, refusing to offer hospitality to David and his army, rather than offering thanks for the services David had rendered.
Abigail, an “intelligent woman” (1 Samuel 25:3), used her wisdom to save the day—and in doing so, captured the heart of David.
No fool, that girl.
For the rest of us, what may sound like wisdom is often foolishness itself.
…seems right to them,…
This is the kind of thinking that gets us in trouble. It’s the world’s wisdom, but it’s definitely not God’s wisdom. I’ve discovered my choices are not always the right ones. And happiness depends on my relationship with the Lord and with others, not on making myself happy.
Rather than asking questions, a fool trusts “his own opinion” (NET). He does what is “right in his own eyes” (HCSB), instead of what is truly right. Fools “think they know what is best” (CEV), and end up making things worse.
In a nutshell, fools “always think they are right” (GNT).
Groan. This verse cuts way too close to the bone.
…but…
If you’ve been following my weekly studies, you know I love the word but in Scripture! Like a hinge on a door, but either leads to another possibility or makes an important comparison.
For such a little word, but carries a big punch. Of our fifty favorite verses in Proverbs, fifteen have the word but (the easiest word we’ll memorize). In Proverbs 12:15, the bad approach to life comes first, followed by the good one.
We’re ready for a better option, Lord. A way out. A solution.
…the wise…
The opposite of a fool is “a sensible person” (CEV). Someone who doesn’t do what fools do. So, they’re not stubborn, they’re flexible. They’re not headstrong, they’re cooperative. They’re not stupid, they’re smart.
What do they do that makes them so wise? They open their ears.
…listen to…
One of the qualities people look for in a spouse, an employee, a friend, a leader is this: they listen. They “pay attention” (CJB). They have ears to hear, and they use them.
They not only listen, they act. A wise person is “he who heeds” (NKJV). Few things are more frustrating than offering wisdom to someone who’s about to do a foolish thing, only to have them nod in agreement, then go off and do it anyway.
Arrgh.
Wise people know better. They listen, learn, and follow.
…advice.
When someone who knows what they are talking about offers useful “counsel” (ASV) or “good teaching” (NLV), the wise person says, “Great idea!” The fool says, “No, thanks. I’ve got this.” Right.
It’s humbling to seek advice, to raise our hands, to admit we need help. Yet that’s what God calls smart.
The best part? When wise people heed advice, it makes them even wiser. Talk about a great return on investment!
The way of fools seems right to them,
but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15
Now it’s your turn
Just one question for you:
- Think of something that seemed right to you at the time—
and what you learned from the experience.
Kindly take a moment to Post a Comment below. Your honesty will help us all grow wiser.
Meanwhile, here’s your Printable of Proverbs 12:15, with four copies of the verse to cut apart and post wherever they’ll come in handy. And check out the pin I created for us on Pinterest.
For those of us who are committing these verses to heart, a quick review:
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
and how good is a timely word! Proverbs 15:23
The way of fools seems right to them,
but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15
Well done! Next Wednesday we’ll see the light with #47.
Your sister, Liz
@LizCurtisHiggs #50Proverbs
