What Does the Bible Say About Fools Who Think They Are Wise?

Romans 1:22 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Claiming to be wise, they became fools,

Proverbs 12:15 ESV / 6 helpful votes

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 29:11 ESV / 5 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 23:9 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.

Proverbs 20:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes

It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.

Proverbs 17:28 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Proverbs 14:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 13:20 ESV / 4 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 1:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

1 Corinthians 3:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.

1 Corinthians 1:20 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Romans 2:1-29 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. ...

Acts 28:1-31 ESV / 3 helpful votes

After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. ...

Luke 1:37 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Proverbs 28:26 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Proverbs 26:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.

Proverbs 21:20 ESV / 3 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 18:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Proverbs 15:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

Proverbs 14:15 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

Proverbs 13:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 3:35 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.

Psalm 106:20 ESV / 3 helpful votes

They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass.

Psalm 14:1 ESV / 3 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.

1 John 1:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Ephesians 5:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

1 Corinthians 1:1-31 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— ...

Romans 1:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.

Romans 1:25 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

Romans 1:20 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Luke 6:38 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Matthew 5:22 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

Jeremiah 10:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Every man is stupid and without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, for his images are false, and there is no breath in them.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

Isaiah 29:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.”

Isaiah 5:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!

Ecclesiastes 10:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A wise man's heart inclines him to the right, but a fool's heart to the left.

Ecclesiastes 5:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow.

Ecclesiastes 5:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words.

Proverbs 29:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes

If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

Proverbs 26:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs 22:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

Proverbs 19:20 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Proverbs 18:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

Proverbs 18:6 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

Proverbs 16:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.

Proverbs 15:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 15:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 14:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 14:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

Proverbs 14:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 12:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

Proverbs 12:1-28 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns. No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. ...

Proverbs 10:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.

Proverbs 10:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.

Proverbs 10:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

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 3:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 1:22 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 1:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,

Psalm 53:1 ESV / 2 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.

62 Bible Verses about Fools Who Think They Are Wise

Romans 1:22 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:15 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 29:11 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 23:9 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 20:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 17:28 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:20 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 1:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 3:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 1:20 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 2:1-29 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 28:1-31 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 1:37 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 28:26 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 26:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 21:20 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:15 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 3:35 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 106:20 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 14:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 John 1:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 5:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 1:1-31 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 1:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 1:25 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 6:38 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:22 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Jeremiah 10:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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

Isaiah 5:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ecclesiastes 10:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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

Ecclesiastes 5:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 29:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 26:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 22:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 19:20 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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

Proverbs 15:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:1-28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 10:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 10:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 10:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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

Proverbs 3:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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

Proverbs 1:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 53:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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