Foolishness could be defined as a lack of wisdom. Foolish behavior manifests itself in many different forms and choices.



"A fool's wrath is known at once..." I've seen this on display many times - fools shooting off their mouths every time they feel the urge and especially when they are angry or offended. They can often be heard bragging about how they can "tell it like it is" or "say what's on their mind."

Why is it so foolish to have a quick and sharp tongue? What's the problem here?

"It shows an obvious lack of self control

"It demonstrates a person who has not learned temperance, and meekness

"It means this person hasn't matured past the point of being constantly on guard of their feelings

"It is clear that "self interest" is their top priority, that self has not been "crucified in Christ"

A person who becomes easily or frequently annoyed and irritated is primarily motivated by " self concern." They get annoyed because someone spoke ill of them or didn't say what "should" have been said. They become irritated when something is happening that is not of personal interest or benefit to them. They are quick to show impatience and voice criticism when things aren't happening exactly the way they want.

A foolish person is easily irritated or annoyed, and he will surely tell you all about it.

And they will always have a great excuse for their irritation, which, no doubt, they will be glad to inform you of.

In contrast, a wise man is thoughtful in his response, and he overlooks insults and offenses. He has an eternal perspective and is more concerned with leading the offender closer to God. The wise man does not concern himself with making sure people know he is mad or hurt. He sees people through the Lord's eyes, noticing the spiritual need that is beneath the behavior. A wise man is mature enough and loves others enough to overlook the offense, seeing the underlying sin that is causing the problem.

1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." (NKJV)

A fool is worried about his own personal feelings. The wise man's concern is to help the offender turn to the Lord. The fool feels justified in his impatience and irritation. The wise man does not worry about how he feels, but his goal is to do what God would do.

Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (NKJV)

If you fit the description of someone who is easily offended or often irritated and you make sure those around you know about it, please do an evaluation of who is sitting on the throne of your life. If you are quick to anger and annoyed at others, it is evidence that your own "self interest" is the king of your life, instead of Christ.