The Fool in Proverbs

Proverbs uses three different Hebrew words for fool: khesil, ewil, and nabal. The most common of these—khesil and ewil (nabal only occurs three times in Proverbs)—are essentially synonymous. Both describe someone who hates wisdom and knowledge (Prov 1:7; 1:22). In Proverbs 12:23 and Proverbs 13:16, fools (khesil) produce folly (iwweleth, from the Hebrew word ewil), linking the two terms.

The fool in Proverbs is assured an ultimately destructive fate (Prov 10:14, 21). This destruction comes in part because of his rebellious attitude (Prov 10:8). Fools refuse instruction or discipline (Prov 15:5; 16:22; 17:10). Instead, they recklessly get themselves into trouble (Prov 14:16; 18:6). They are also arrogant (Prov 12:15) and untrustworthy (Prov 26:6). In contrast to the restrained speech of the wise (Prov 17:27), fools speak impulsively and argumentatively (Prov 20:3; 29:9, 11).

There is a moral aspect to the fool. Job called his wife foolish when she advised him to “curse God and die” (Job 2:10). The fool prefers evil (Prov 10:23; 13:19) and rejects God (Ps 14:1). He rejects repentance (Prov 14:12), choosing instead to repeat his folly (Prov 26:11; 27:22). Fools tend to bring others down to their level (Prov 26:4) and should be avoided (Prov 13:20; 14:7).

Other Terms for the Fool

There are several other Hebrew terms that describe people related to the fool in Proverbs. The most common are lets (“scoffer”), ‘atsel (“sluggard”), chasar-lev (“lacks sense”), and pethi (“simple”). Other less common terms include remiyyah (“slothful”), na’ar (“child”), and ba’ar (“stupid”).

Scoffer

Scoffers (lets) are characterized by their attitude. Like the fool, the scoffer hates discipline (Prov 9:7–8; 13:1; 15:12). The arrogance of scoffers (Prov 21:24) prevents them from finding wisdom (Prov 14:6). They cause strife and conflict (Prov 22:10; 29:8) and are scorned by Yahweh and then condemned (Prov 3:33–34; 19:29).

Sluggard/Slothful

The Hebrew term atsel (“sluggard”) appears only in Proverbs, and is similar to remiyyah (“slothful”). Both terms describe a lazy or idle person. They appear in parallel (Prov 19:15) and are both contrasted with the diligent or hardworking person (Prov 10:4; 13:4). The sluggard is too lazy to work (Prov 21:25). Because of his laziness, the sluggard is described as ultimately ending up with nothing (Prov 13:4; 20:4). His land is overgrown (Prov 24:30), and he ends up in poverty (Prov 6:9–11; 10:4). He finds any excuses to stay in bed (Prov 26:13–14). Like the fool and scoffer, the sluggard believes himself to be wise (Prov 26:16).

Lacks Sense

The Hebrew phrase chasar-lev literally means “lacking heart” and implies a lack of intellect. Like the sluggard, the one who lacks sense is lazy and chases worthless pursuits instead of working (Prov 12:11; 24:30). He makes unwise decisions (Prov 17:18) and enjoys folly (Prov 15:21; iwweleth in Hebrew). His lack of discernment gets him into trouble (Prov 10:13). While he commits sins like adultery (Prov 6:32), his motivations are not the same as the fool or scoffer (Prov 3:33–34; 10:23; 13:19); rather, he falls victim to the adulteress’ temptation because of gullibility and weakness (Prov 7:7; 9:4; 9:16).

Simple

The one described by Proverbs as a simple person (pethi) is closely related to the person who lacks sense. He is gullible (Prov 14:15) and falls victim to temptation (Prov 7:7; 9:16). Proverbs generally characterizes the simple by folly (Prov 14:18; iwweleth in Hebrew). They get into trouble, not because of recklessness or arrogance like the fool (Prov 14:16; 18:6), but because they are oblivious or ignorant (Prov 22:3; 27:12). Unlike fools, scoffers, and sluggards, the simple can learn (Prov 1:4; 9:6) and respond to discipline (Prov 19:25; 21:11).

Child

The Hebrew term na’ar describes a “child” or “young man.” The child in Proverbs is not necessarily a fool, but is described as sometimes acting foolishly (Prov 22:15; iwweleth in Hebrew) or lacking sense (Prov 7:7; chasar-lev in Hebrew). The child is someone who needs instruction or discipline to prevent him from joining the ranks of the fool (Prov 22:6; 22:15; 23:13–14).

Stupid

The Hebrew term ba’ar (“stupid” or “brutish”) only occurs twice in Proverbs. Like the fool and scoffer, the stupid person hates discipline (Prov 12:1). He lacks wisdom, especially knowledge about God (Prov 30:2–3). In the Psalms the stupid person is paralleled with the fool (khesil); he is shown to lack understanding about the works of Yahweh, including the fate of the wicked (Ps 92:5–7).

Miles Custis

Further Reading

Wisdom and Related Terms

Ewil TWOT

Kasal TWOT

Khesil TLOT

The Fool TOTC Pr

Fools and the Wicked NICOT Pr 1–15

Words for Folly Proverbs 1–9 (AYBC)