KEYS TO AVOID BEING A FOOL What Kind of Fool Am I?

Transcription

1 KEYS TO AVOID BEING A FOOL What Kind of Fool Am I? October 17, 2012 Pastor Paul J. James Wisdom is the proper and prompt application of knowledge. the ability to make sensible decisions and judgments based on personal knowledge and experience; good sense shown in a way of thinking, judgment, or action; the power of judging rightly and following the soundest course of action, based on knowledge, experience, understanding; good judgment Wisdom is (Hebrew): from root word of entrenchment or rampart (bunker). i.e. the ability to think in the trenches ; one who is skilled (nimble, flexible) in the art of thinking ; Wisdom is (Greek): sophia (philosophy, love of wisdom): akin to a word that means clarity, i.e. the ability to think clearly, soberly FOOLISHNESS IS: WRONG INFORMATION that contributes to WRONG THINKING which leads to WRONG VALUES that ensure WRONG DECISIONS that produce WRONG BEHAVIORS that bring WRONG OUTCOMES in daily living! FOOLISHNESS IS... LIVING AND BEHAVING AS IF GOD DOESN T EXIST Only fools say in their hearts, There is no God. They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! (Psalm 14:1, NLT) The 4 Types of Fools THE FOOL THE SIMPLETON THE SLUGGARD (Triflin ) THE MOCKER

2 THE FOOL THE ESCAPIST Pursues folly to avoid reality and responsibility because it seems too overwhelming. Only lives in the moment and never considers consequences. THE SIMPLETON THE AVOIDER Weak of will and weak of mind with an incapacity to think through decisions; easily influenced; under-delivers if you over-serve them; charming. THE TRIFLIN THE SLUGGARD Tends to trivialize the important while prioritizing the unimportant; reactive rather than proactive. Frequently needs bail out. Works hard at not working hard.

3 THE MOCKER THE MISANTHROPE Hates God and His people. Cynic to the core. Destructive in relationships. Enjoys relational conflict, chaos and division wherein he derives power. Sociopathic. THE FOOL - Proverbs The Fool comes to resemble her actions. (Proverbs 27:22) The Fool purposely abandons his senses. (Proverbs 15:21) The Fool must be engaged strategically and not emotionally. (Proverbs 26:4-5) The Fool has pathology in her thoughts, attitudes and behaviors. (Eccl. 1:17-18) THE SIMPLETON - Proverbs Simpletons are passive aggressive and self-destructive. (Proverbs 1:32-33) Simpletons are gullible (Proverbs 14:15) Simpletons are self-protective from reality. (Proverbs 14:18) Simpletons ignore warnings and consequences due to psychological disconnect. (Proverbs 27:12)

4 THE TRIFLIN The Triflin ruins himself through inactivity and inertia (Eccl. 4:5) The Triflin tend to lose it all... repeatedly with no insight. (Proverbs 6:9-11) The Triflin ignore the seasons of life and become old fools. (Proverbs 20:4) The Triflin live with neglect as their default mentality. (Proverbs 24:30-32) THE MOCKER The Mocker rages against God. (Proverbs 19:3) The Mocker constantly schemes against God and His people. (Proverbs 24:9) The Mocker never submits accept to gain what he wants. (Proverbs 9:7-8; 15:12) The Mocker is controlled by pride. (Proverbs 21:24) The Mocker destroys social systems. (Proverbs 29:8) WARNING TO FOOLS How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? (Proverbs 1:22)

5 A Final Thesis ALL PERSONALITY TYPES ARE PRONE TO BE A TYPE OF FOOL CHOLERICS - Mockers SANGUINES - Fools/Simpletons/Triflin PHLEGMATICS - Simpletons/Triflin MELANCHOLIES - Triflin /Mockers DOMINANTS - Mockers INFLUENCERS - Fools/Simpletons/Triflin STABILIZERS - Simpletons/Triflin COMPLIANT - Triflin /Mockers FOOL QUESTIONS What Kind of Fool do you have the tendency to be? Why?