I can remember as a kid taking advantage of April 1st, aka April Fool’s Day. Playing tricks on people until they realize what day it is always brought laughs (or being beat up).  🙂   Because I was so lovable and kind I was able to avoid the latter. Seriously, most people, when they realize the day lay aside their frustrations and join in the fun.

But being a fool or being called one is not anything to brag about. Below are just a few of the verses from Proverbs that have a very common theme: fools.

“Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. For simpletons turn away from me (wisdom)- to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.” (1:31-32)

“Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” (12:15)

“Wise people think before they act; fools don’t-and even brag about their foolishness.” “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” (13:16,20)

“Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with  their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” (17:28)  Abe Lincoln: “It is better to keep your mouth shut and thought a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.”

“The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.” (18:7)

“Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.” (23:9)

There are more. Here is something for you to consider doing. Beginning today, read a chapter of Proverbs a day. By the end of the month you will have read through all of Proverbs. Take a pencil, pen, or highlighter that won’t bleed, and underline as you read. Find one verse each chapter to highlight for that day. When you read through the book again, use a different color highlighter and look for a new verse. Oh…look for the verses that talk about fools.  Happy reading! Happy growing!  And while you are at it, determine not to carry today’s joke beyond April 1.