𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗩𝗦. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗦𝗘

THE FOOL VS. THE WISE

“Wisdom Is Seen in Choices, Not Claims”

Proverbs 13:20 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

In the book of Proverbs, God does not flatter man—He divides mankind into two clear categories: the FOOL and the WISE.
This is not about intelligence, education, or age—but attitude toward God’s truth.

From a dispensational perspective, wisdom today is grounded in God’s revealed Word rightly divided (2 Tim. 2:15). The fool rejects correction; the wise receives instruction.

Today’s question is simple but searching:
Which one are you becoming?

① RESISTANCE vs. RECEPTIVENESS
The Fool Resists — The Wise Receives

Resists correction – Prov. 12:1
Rejects rebuke – Prov. 15:5
Refuses instruction – Prov. 1:7
Dispensational Insight:
In this age of grace, rejecting truth—especially Pauline truth—produces spiritual immaturity (1 Cor. 3:1–3).

② RECKLESS SPEECH vs. RESTRAINED SPEECH
The Fool Reacts — The Wise Reflects

Speaks without restraint – Prov. 29:11
Talks before thinking – Prov. 18:13
Multiplies words – Prov. 10:19
Wise Contrast:
Guards his words – Prov. 17:27
Listens first – Prov. 18:13
Seasoned speech – Col. 4:6

③ WRONG VOICES vs. WISE VOICES
The Fool Chooses Crowds — The Wise Chooses Counsel

Follows ungodly advice – Prov. 12:15
Walks with fools – Prov. 13:20
Trusts popular opinion – Prov. 14:12
Dispensational Emphasis:
Walking with those who rightly divide God’s Word leads to stability (Rom–Philemon).

④ EVASION vs. ACCOUNTABILITY
The Fool Avoids — The Wise Accepts

Avoids responsibility – Prov. 19:3
Blames others – Prov. 28:13
Hides sin – Prov. 10:23
Wise Pattern:
Confesses and forsakes – Prov. 28:13
Accepts correction – Prov. 9:8–9

⑤ SELF-TRUST vs. SCRIPTURAL TRUST
The Fool Trusts Himself — The Wise Trusts the LORD

Trusts his own heart – Prov. 28:26
Leans on feelings – Prov. 3:5
Ignores Scripture – Rom. 10:3
Grace-Age Truth:
Faith today rests in what Christ did, not what man feels (1 Cor. 15:1–4).

⑥ OUTBURST vs. ORDER
The Fool Explodes — The Wise Endures

Displays anger – Prov. 29:11
Quick-tempered – Prov. 14:17
Stirs strife – Prov. 15:18
Wise Fruit:
Slow to anger – Prov. 16:32
Fruit of the Spirit – Gal. 5:22–23

⑦ BOASTING vs. BALANCE
The Fool Boasts — The Wise Believes God

Boasts about tomorrow – Prov. 27:1
Presumes control – James 4:13–16
Ignores God’s will – Luke 12:20
Grace Perspective:
The wise live with eternity in view (Col. 3:1–4).

⑧ LAZINESS vs. LABOR
The Fool Delays — The Wise Diligently Does

Despises work – Prov. 10:4
Excuses laziness – Prov. 26:13
Wastes opportunity – Prov. 24:30–34
Wise Character:
Values diligence – Prov. 10:4
Faithful stewards – 1 Cor. 4:2

⑨ DISMISSAL vs. DEVOTION
The Fool Denies God — The Wise Fears God

Despises the LORD – Prov. 14:2
Mocks holiness – Prov. 1:22
Rejects truth – 2 Tim. 4:3–4
Foundational Truth:
Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom – Prov. 1:7

CONCLUSION

The difference between the fool and the wise is not words—it is walk.
Not claims—but choices.
Not religion—but response to truth.
Wisdom is not loud. Wisdom is lived.

CALL TO ACTION

Examine who you listen to
Commit to rightly divided Scripture
Choose wise fellowship
Grow in grace and knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18)

FINAL THOUGHTS

Wisdom begins when pride ends
Truth received produces maturity
Correction is a gift, not an insult
Grace teaches wisdom today
Walk with the wise—or become the fool
God’s Word never misleads
Eternity exposes foolish living
Right division guards doctrine
Choose wisdom—before wisdom judges