Thursday, June 20, 2019

Foolish Things

“Like a dog that returns to its vomit, a fool does the same foolish things again and again.” (Proverbs 26:11, ERV)

Vomiting is a very common problem in dogs and cats. There are many causes of vomiting. Primary or gastric causes of vomiting are those that are due to diseases of the stomach and upper intestinal tract. Secondary or non-gastric causes of vomiting are caused by diseases of other organs that cause an accumulation of toxic substances in the blood. These toxic substances stimulate the vomiting center in the brain causing the animal to vomit.

 
A problem that can be confused with vomiting is regurgitation. Vomiting is the ejection of contents of the stomach and upper intestine. Regurgitation is the ejection of contents of the esophagus. The esophagus is a narrow, muscular tube that food passes through on its way to the stomach. A dilated esophagus does not effectively move food to the stomach and the animal will regurgitate food usually shortly after eating. The food may also be inhaled into the airways causing pneumonia and cough. Just like dogs regurgitate, and then eat it so a person who is considered a fool is likely going to repeat their idiotic actions again on a constant basis unless the horrible pattern is stop. There are five kinds of fools in scripture. Do you fit one of these descriptions?

 
The Simple Fool-The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” (Proverbs 22:3. NIV) The simple fool opens his mind to any passing thought and opens his arms to any passing stranger. In other words, he lacks discernment. He has an over-simplified view of life and fails to recognize the cause-and-effect sequences that affect every area of life. Because the simple fool is not discerning, he is easily captivated by all kinds of enticements and deceptions. He is dangerously immature, extremely gullible, and intensely curious. In the absence of instruction and consistent discipline, the simple fool will naturally become more foolish. A simple fool is especially vulnerable to seduction, lacking an understanding of the irreversible consequences of moral failure

 

The Silly Fool-The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
(Proverbs 1:7, NIV)The mouth of a silly fool often gets him in trouble. When things go wrong for a silly fool, he becomes angry, resulting in more damage. A silly fool believes that his own way of thinking is right so much so that he reacts to instruction when it is offered. Argument, persuasion, and advice from well-meaning friends fail to convince silly fools of error. Proper correction by authorities, which publicly shames the silly fool, will more often be effective in helping him change his ways.

 

The Sensual Fool-A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes,
but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.”
(Proverbs 10:23, NIV)One who rejects the correction of parents or other authorities will become a sensual fool. This fool denotes a person who seems determined to make wrong choices. He does not have a mental deficiency, but rather rejects the wisdom of God. The sensual fool’s focus is on that which brings him immediate pleasure. He glories in that of which he should be ashamed of. A sensual fool is unreasonable. As a silly fool, his mouth got him into trouble. Now, as a sensual fool, his mouth gets him into more trouble. Scripture gives more warnings about the sensual fool than about any other type of fool. His motives and methods are subtle. He should be avoided, because those who follow him will be led astray. Severe punishment is prescribed for the sensual fool.

 

The Scorning Fool-Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” (Psalm 1:1, NIV)The scorning fool’s facial expressions communicate the disdain and contempt he has in his heart toward his authorities, including parents, civil authorities, and God. This type of fool not only has rejected truth. He also has embraced that which is offensive to God. The scorning fool utterly detests people and ideas that contradict his false thinking, and he expresses his scorn through derisive attitudes, behavior, and speech. The scorning fool turns a deaf ear to reprimand. Those who attempt to lead the scorning fool away from the path of destruction that he seems determined to follow will suffer his anger. A scorner must be punished for his own sake and for the sake of those whom he can potentially influence.

 

The Steadfast Fool-The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’
They are corrupt. Their deeds are vile. There is no one who does good.”
(Psalm 14:1, NIV)The most dangerous type of fool is a steadfast fool. A steadfast fool totally rejects God and His ways. This type of fool is self-confident and close-minded. He is his own god freely gratifying his sensual desires. It is his goal to draw as many others as possible into his evil ways. Attempts to reprove him will be futile and bring frustration to the one who tries to influence him. Only God can successfully reprove a steadfast fool.

  “Fools are quick to express their anger, but wise people are patient and control themselves.” (Proverbs 29:11, ERV)[i]



[i] Sources used:
·        “Vomiting pets” by Washington State University

·        “What are five types of fools?” by The Institute in Basic Life Principles

 

 

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