What does folly mean in the Bible? In the Christian tradition, folly is seen as a lack of wisdom or an expression of negligence towards God’s teachings. The Bible repeatedly warns against folly and speaks to how it can lead to foolish and self-destructive behavior. Folly has been defined as an “unwise, misguided action or error in judgment”. It has been viewed as a foolishness that leads to senseless actions and poor decisions, ideas, and thought processes. According to the Bible, it can include any kind of sinful behavior, including drunkenness, pride, and rebellion.
Folly is often associated with the adjective “foolish.” In the Bible, these two words are used interchangeably. For example, Proverbs 17:12 reads “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” It is clear from the verse that even speaking in an angry or thoughtless manner can be considered folly. Romans 1:22 also warns against claiming to be wise and placing wisdom over God’s teachings. Apostle Paul writes,“Claiming to be wise, they became fools.”
In the Scriptures, folly is repeatedly condemned and seen as a major problem in society. Proverbs states “Every human way seems right in his own eyes, but the Lord evaluates the heart.” This verse warns against individuals that are slow to trust the Lord and instead think their own opinions are superior. In Ecclesiastes 10:3, it is written “Even as they walk along the road, fools are asleep to their own folly.” Our foolish behavior can often blind us to our own mistakes, leading us to become further entrenched in folly.
Some modern interpretations of the Bible add nuance to our understanding of folly. While the Bible clearly speaks against many kinds of folly, it also warns against condemning people who err from God’s law. In Matthew 7:3, Jesus says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” A modern interpretation of this verse urges us to refrain from casting judgement on someone who follows their own moral code and do not accept God’s teachings, for we ourselves were once sinners.
In addition to come, the Bible also offers advice on how to steer clear of folly. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus teaches us to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Putting God and His teachings first provides a path to avoid the pitfalls of sin and folly. Proverbs also advises us to “listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” Taking both of these pieces of advice can help us lead a life of virtue and goodness, while doing the opposite can lead us down a path of folly.
Folly and the Ten Commandments
The Bible ultimately plays an important role in our evaluation of what is and is not folly. In Exodus 20, Moses delivers the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel. Taken in totality, these are the guidelines for how to live a life pleasing to God, and therefore folly consists of any behavior outside of this rubric. Some of the Commandments directly address folly and its consequences, such as the commandment prohibiting Idol worship or taking God’s name in vain. Violating these commands can lead us to stray from the Lord and be tempted by the follies of the world.
The Dangers of Folly
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the dangers of foolish behavior. Proverbs stresses that a wise man will hear and increase in learning, while a foolish man will heed his own passion and suffering the consequences. Ecclesiastes 8:11 even states “Because sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.” This verse admonishes individuals not to be misguided by their own passions, and warns that too often, sin is glamorized and leads to more dangerous foolishness.
Reap What You Sow
The Bible also speaks of the consequences of folly and how it can lead to suffering. The book of Galatians teaches us that “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” This verse serves as a warning that if one choses to follow the path of folly, it will come back to haunt them. In 2 Thessalonians, Paul describes how foolish behavior can lead to being excluded from the presence of God. Taken in totality, the Bible repeatedly warns us against folly and the grave consequences that it entails.
The Example of King Solomon
As referenced throughout the Scriptures, the dangers of folly are best illustrated by the example of King Solomon. In 1 Kings 11:9, the Lord complains that Solomon has forsaken His teachings and become enslaved to the “follies” of his wives. Unfortunately, the consequences of Solomon’s folly outweigh the gains of his wisdom, and the kingdom of Israel is divided. Consequently, Solomon is seen as a cautionary tale of what can happen when the warnings of the Lord are ignored.
God’s Mercy in spite of Folly
The Bible also speaks to God’s mercy in spite of foolishness. Proverbs reminds us “The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Despite our foolishness, God is ultimately forgiving and willing to help us repent of our sins. In the book of Esther, Mordecai reminds Esther to not forget her people and instead put her trust in the Lord. The story of Esther speaks to the power of faith and how it can absolve us of our follies.
Living By the Word of the Lord
Ultimately, the Bible cautions us against being deceived by our own passions and becoming overcome by folly. The book of Proverbs repeatedly warns against laziness, envy, and lack of self-control as trappings that can lead us away from righteousness. Matthew 7 states “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it.” We must remain vigilant in entrusting our lives to God’s teachings and continually strive to avoid folly.
