What Does the Bible Say About Foolish People?

Proverbs 13:20 ESV / 14 helpful votes

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

2 Timothy 3:17 ESV / 11 helpful votes

That the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 9 helpful votes

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

John 17:17 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

Proverbs 17:16 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?

Proverbs 14:24 ESV / 9 helpful votes

The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.

Psalm 14:1 ESV / 9 helpful votes

To the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.

Proverbs 17:25 ESV / 8 helpful votes

A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.

Proverbs 17:24 ESV / 8 helpful votes

The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 15:21 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.

2 Peter 2:4 ESV / 7 helpful votes

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;

Proverbs 21:20 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

Proverbs 18:13 ESV / 7 helpful votes

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Proverbs 15:14 ESV / 7 helpful votes

The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

Proverbs 1:32 ESV / 7 helpful votes

For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them;

John 14:15 ESV / 6 helpful votes

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Matthew 23:13-15 ESV / 6 helpful votes

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.

Revelation 9:11 ESV / 5 helpful votes

They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.

Proverbs 15:5 ESV / 5 helpful votes

A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

Proverbs 14:1 ESV / 5 helpful votes

The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.

Psalm 19:1 ESV / 5 helpful votes

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Deuteronomy 4:2 ESV / 5 helpful votes

You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.

Mark 7:13 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

Proverbs 15:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

Proverbs 13:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.

Psalm 85:8 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.

Psalm 69:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes

O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you.

Romans 13:1-7 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ...

Romans 1:1-32 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, ...

Acts 20:28 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Mark 7:6-9 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!

Matthew 25:14-30 ESV / 3 helpful votes

“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. ...

Proverbs 29:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Proverbs 10:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.

Psalm 53:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes

To the choirmaster: according to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.

2 Peter 3:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

1 Peter 4:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 2:22 ESV / 2 helpful votes

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.

1 Peter 2:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

1 Peter 2:13-15 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

1 Corinthians 14:37 ESV / 2 helpful votes

If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 14:33 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Romans 3:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.”

Acts 2:38 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

Matthew 24:1-51 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. ...

Matthew 10:24 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.

Matthew 6:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Matthew 5:13-16 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Proverbs 20:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Proverbs 15:20 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

Proverbs 14:29 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

Proverbs 14:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes

One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.

Proverbs 10:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

Proverbs 8:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.

Psalm 74:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Remember this, O Lord, how the enemy scoffs, and a foolish people reviles your name.

Psalm 37:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

Psalm 15:1-5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A Psalm of David. O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 4:1-8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. ...

Psalm 1:1-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; ...

61 Bible Verses about Foolish People

Proverbs 13:20 ESV / 14 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 3:17 ESV / 11 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 17:17 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 17:16 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:24 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 14:1 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 17:25 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 17:24 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:21 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Peter 2:4 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 21:20 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:13 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:14 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 1:32 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 14:15 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 23:13-15 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Revelation 9:11 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:5 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:1 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 19:1 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Deuteronomy 4:2 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 7:13 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 85:8 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 69:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 13:1-7 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 1:1-32 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 20:28 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 7:6-9 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 25:14-30 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 29:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 10:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 53:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Peter 3:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 4:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 2:22 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 2:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 2:13-15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 14:37 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 14:33 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 3:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 2:38 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 16:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 24:1-51 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 10:24 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:13-16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 20:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:20 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:29 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 10:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 8:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 74:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 37:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 15:1-5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 4:1-8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 1:1-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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