Fools & Foolishness (Greek Word Study)

Fools & Foolishness (Greek Word Study) By Mark Mayberry 2/12/2012 Introduction In this lesson, let us consider the New Testament teaching on fools and foolishness. Just as there is a proper and improper usage of the word damn, there is also a proper and improper usage of the word fool. Avoiding crudity and crassness, let us approach this subject with caution and clarity. Relevant Words The Root Adjective Mōros Thomas defines [mōros] as a primary word, meaning dull, stupid, foolish [3474]. BDAG say it refers to that which is foolish, stupid, and is used of both persons and of things. Please note that the meaning of in Matt. 5:22 is disputed. Most scholars take it, as the ancient Syrian versions did, to mean you fool, sometimes also with the connotation of an obstinate and godless person. Others argue it is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for rebel (cf. Deut. 21:18, 20). According to certain scholars, it is the Greek translation of the (i.e., an uncomplimentary term of abuse/put-down relating to lack of intelligence, numskull, fool, which is in effect verbal bullying). This word occurs 12x in the NT (Matt. 5:22; 7:26; 23:17; 25:2, 3, 8; 1 Cor. 1:25, 27; 3:18; 4:10; 2 Tim. 2:23; Titus 3:9). Matthew 5:22 (NASB95) 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, You good-fornothing, shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, You *fool, shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Matthew 7:26 (NASB95) 26 Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a *foolish man who built his house on the sand. Matthew 23:17 (NASB95) 17 You *fools and blind men! Which is more important, the gold or the temple that sanctified the gold? Matthew 25:2 (NASB95) 2 Five of them were *foolish, and five were prudent. 1

Matthew 25:3 (NASB95) 3 For when the *foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, Matthew 25:8 (NASB95) 8 The *foolish said to the prudent, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. 1 Corinthians 1:25 (NASB95) 25 Because the *foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:27 (NASB95) 27 but God has chosen the *foolish *things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 1 Corinthians 3:18 (NASB95) 18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become *foolish, so that he may become wise. 1 Corinthians 4:10 (NASB95) 10 We are *fools for Christ s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. 2 Timothy 2:23 (NASB95) 23 But refuse *foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. Titus 3:9 (NASB95) 9 But avoid *foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. The Noun Mōria Thomas defines [mōria] as from mōros [3474], meaning foolishness [3472]. BDAG say it refers to foolishness, generally of worldly wisdom. Conversely, to all those who are lost 1 Cor. 1:18 and especially to the Gentiles vs. 23, the Christian preaching of a Savior who died a slave s death on the cross was mōria. This word occurs 5x in the NT (1 Cor. 1:18, 21, 23; 2:14; 3:19). 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NASB95) 18 For the word of the cross is *foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:21 (NASB95) 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the *foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:23 (NASB95) 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles *foolishness, 2

1 Corinthians 2:14 (NASB95) 14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are *foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 1 Corinthians 3:19 (NASB95) 19 For the wisdom of this world is *foolishness before God. For it is written, He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness ; The Verb Mōrainō Thomas defines [mōrainō] as from mōros [3474], meaning to be foolish [3471]. BDAG say means to (1) make foolish, show to be foolish; (2) make tasteless, become tasteless, insipid, of salt. This word occurs 4x in the NT (Matt. 5:13; Luke 14:34; Rom. 1:22; 1 Cor. 1:20). Matthew 5:13 (NASB95) 13 You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has *become *tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. Luke 14:34 (NASB95) 34 Therefore, salt is good; but if even salt has *become *tasteless, with what will it be seasoned? Romans 1:22 (NASB95) 22 Professing to be wise, they *became *fools, 1 Corinthians 1:20 (NASB95) 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God *made *foolish the wisdom of the world? The Related Noun Mōrologia Thomas defines [mōrologia], a compound of mōros [foolish] and legō [to speak], meaning foolish talking [3473]. BDAG say this word refers to foolish/silly talk. This word occurs 1x in the NT (Eph. 5:4). Ephesians 5:4 (NASB95) 4 and there must be no filthiness and *silly *talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Relevant Usage Foolish Actions We must avoid the foolishness of not laying the proper foundation of obedience (Matt. 7:24-27). 3

Matthew 7:24-27 (NASB95) 24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. 26 Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a *foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell and great was its fall. We must avoid the foolishness of not fulfilling our duty (Matt 5:13-16; Luke 14:34-35). Matthew 5:13-16 (NASB95) 13 You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become *tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Luke 14:34-35 (NASB95) 34 Therefore, salt is good; but if even salt has become *tasteless, with what will it be seasoned? 35 It is useless either for the soil or for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. We must avoid the foolishness of being unprepared for the Lord s return (Matt. 25:1-13). Matthew 25:1-13 (NASB95) 1 Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were *foolish, and five were prudent. 3 For when the *foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. 5 Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 The *foolish said to the prudent, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. 9 But the prudent answered, No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves. 10 And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11 Later the other virgins also came, saying, Lord, lord, open up for us. 12 But he answered, Truly I say to you, I do not know you. 13 Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour. Foolish Attitudes We must avoid the foolishness of rejecting the revelation of nature (Rom. 1:18-23). Romans 1:18-23 (NASB95) 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His 4

eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they *became *fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. We must avoid the foolishness of rejecting the revelation of Scripture (1 Cor. 2:12-16). 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 (NASB95) 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. 14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are *foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. Foolish Words We must avoid the foolishness of uttering derogatory insults (Matt. 5:21-26; 1 Cor. 4:8-10; cf. James 3:5-12). Matthew 5:21-26 (NASB95) 21 You have heard that the ancients were told, You shall not commit murder and Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court. 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, You good-for-nothing, shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, You *fool, shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. 23 Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. 25 Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent. 1 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NASB95) 8 You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you. 9 For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are *fools for Christ s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. James 3:5-12 (NASB95) 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by 5

hell. 7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. 11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. We must avoid the foolishness of making false oaths (Matt. 23:16-22). Matthew 23:16-22 (NASB95) 16 Woe to you, blind guides, who say, Whoever swears by the temple, that is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple is obligated. 17 You *fools and blind men! Which is more important, the gold or the temple that sanctified the gold? 18 And, Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing, but whoever swears by the offering on it, he is obligated. 19 You blind men, which is more important, the offering, or the altar that sanctifies the offering? 20 Therefore, whoever swears by the altar, swears both by the altar and by everything on it. 21 And whoever swears by the temple, swears both by the temple and by Him who dwells within it. 22 And whoever swears by heaven, swears both by the throne of God and by Him who sits upon it. We must avoid the foolishness of filthy and silly talk (Eph. 5:3-5). Ephesians 5:3-5 (NASB95) 3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and there must be no filthiness and *silly *talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. We must avoid the foolishness of engaging in needless controversy (2 Tim. 2:23-26; Titus 3:8-11). 2 Timothy 2:23-26 (NASB95) 23 But refuse *foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 24 The Lord s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. Titus 3:8-11 (NASB95) 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. 9 But avoid *foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. 6

Conclusion While the gospel message is counted as foolishness by unbelievers, it is actually a demonstration of divine wisdom (1 Cor. 1:18-31). 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (NASB95) 18 For the word of the cross is *foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside. 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God *made *foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the *foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles *foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the *foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the *foolish *things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no man may boast before God. 30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written, Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. So, do you seek the favor of men or of God (1 Cor. 3:18-23; cf. Gal. 1:10)? 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 (NASB95) 18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become *foolish, so that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is *foolishness before God. For it is written, He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness ; 20 and again, The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are useless. 21 So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, 23 and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God. Galatians 1:10 (NASB95) 10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. 7