Devotional

Five Stages of a Fool

A study of Proverbs shows us five stages of foolish behavior from the Hebrew language. First is the gullible, or simple fool (Proverbs 14:15). The second level of hardening is the stupid fool who repeats his gullible behavior (Proverbs 26:11). The third stage is the stubborn fool who despises wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7). Fourth is the scorning fool who is a mocker and destroyer of organizations (Proverbs 21:24; 9:7-8). The fifth and final stage is the hardened secular fool who is godless (Proverbs 30:32).

This list represents a cycle of increasing hardness of heart, from gullible to godless. A good analogy of this pride is cement. When it is poured, it is wet and formable, but afterward it begins a hardening process that cures and turns to stone-cold, immoveable, fixed, and unchanging. The gullible fool is still formable, but the godless fool has no hope unless he fully surrenders his foolish heart to the Restorer.

How have you played the fool? Surrender the sand and stone in your heart to the Restorer today.

For more, watch The Restoration Road with Mitch Kruse, Episode 7: A Fool’s Sin and the Restorer’s Grace.

To share this devotional visit our email archive.