The Fool
Teaching Notes
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:1-7
We start with the premise and proclamation: “I am that fool.”
THE SIMPLE
Let Others Choose The Trail For Them
The simple believe anything,
but the prudent give thought to their steps.
For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
Proverbs 1:32
At the window of my house
I looked down through the lattice.
I saw among the simple,
I noticed among the young men,
a youth who had no sense.
He was going down the street near her corner,
walking along in the direction of her house
at twilight, as the day was fading,
as the dark of night set in.
Then out came a woman to meet him,
dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
Proverbs 7:6-10
THE SCOFFER
Mocks Those On The Right Trail
The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name—
behaves with insolent fury.
Proverbs 21:24
THE STUPID
Choose The Same Wrong Trail Over and Over
As a dog returns to its vomit,
so fools repeat their folly.
Proverbs 26:11
It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.
Proverbs 20:3
When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground. She fell at his feet and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, and let me speak to you; hear what your servant has to say. Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him… “Please forgive your servant’s presumption. The Lord your God will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because you fight the Lord’s battles, and no wrongdoing will be found in you as long as you live.
1 Samuel 25:23-28
How do you play the fool most often?
THE SIMPLE?
THE SCOFFER?
THE STUPID?
“I lead a lot of high level, C-Suite sessions for Fortune 100, global companies, thought leaders and you always think that you’re going to talk about global strategy or market trends or things about how to change the world but inevitably, without fail, the conversation will always veer to someone saying “I’ve got this guy”. It will always come down to someone on their team or board member or employee that reports to them where they say, “What should I do?” - Dr. Henry Cloud, Necessary Endings
Parenting Square: (Adapted from Andy Stanley, Ken Blanchard)
Wonderful - Need Nurture/Discipline (0-5 years)
Wicked - Need Training (5-12 years)
Wobbly - Need Coaching (12-18 years)
Wise - Need Support (Adult years)
Going Deeper
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:1-7
If appropriate, share one of the more foolish things you’ve done in the past–hopefully, something where everything turned out okay in the end!
Do you believe in the premise that the only way we’ll grow is by assuming we’re the fool first?
Which of the passages shared from the service challenged you the most?
Who is or has been a Nabal (i.e. Fool) in your life? How have you learned to deal with them wisely?
What is your “I will…” statement, where you intend to grow in Godly wisdom?
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
Alive- Hillsong Young and Free
I Speak Jesus- Charity Gayle
King of My Heart- Bethel Music
We Praise You- Brandon Lake
WFC Speedway
Build Your Kingdom Here- Rend Collective
I Surrender All- Judson Wheeler Van DeVenter
Promises- Maverick City
Holy Water- We The Kingdom
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