8757 folly, effects of

The attitude that leads to a closing of the mind towards God and his truth, and a false self-confidence, which results in being easily led astray, failure to see danger, unpreparedness and ultimate ruin.

Folly gives a false basis for confidence

Contempt for God’s wisdom Pr 1:7 See also Job 28:28; Ps 14:1; Ps 85:8; Ps 111:10; Pr 1:20-27; Pr 12:1; Pr 18:2

Blindness to God’s truth Eph 5:17 See also Ps 92:6; Ecc 5:1-4; Jer 5:4; Lk 11:39-40 hypocrisy in worship; Ro 1:21; 1Co 15:36 failure to understand the nature of death and resurrection; 2Ti 2:23; Tit 3:9 futile controversies

Rebellion against God’s authority Ps 107:17; Jer 5:21-25

Self-reliance Pr 28:26 See also Pr 11:28; Pr 12:15; Pr 14:12; Lk 12:20

Folly cannot be hidden

Ecc 10:3 See also Ps 69:5; Pr 12:23; Pr 13:16; Pr 15:2; 2Ti 3:9

Folly opens the way to deception

Pr 14:8

Being led astray Pr 14:15 See also Pr 7:7-23; Pr 9:13-18; Ecc 7:26; Hos 7:11; Gal 3:1

Failing to see danger Pr 22:3 See also Ecc 4:13

Being unprepared Mt 25:10

The consequences of folly

Destruction and ruin Pr 1:32 See also Pr 5:23; Pr 10:8; Ecc 7:17; 1Ti 6:9

Shame Pr 3:35 See also Pr 18:13; Isa 44:9; Jer 8:9

Grief to parents Pr 17:25 See also Pr 10:1; Pr 15:20; Pr 17:21

Punishment Pr 16:22 See also Ps 38:5; Pr 18:6; Pr 26:3

Exclusion from God’s way of salvation Isa 35:8 See also Mt 25:10-12

Folly is persistent

Pr 27:22 See also Pr 15:14; Pr 26:11

Remedies for folly

The forgiveness of foolish actions Nu 12:11; Job 42:8; Ps 85:8; Tit 3:3-5

Discipline Pr 19:25; Pr 21:11; Pr 22:15; Pr 29:15

Wisdom and instruction Pr 8:5; Pr 14:33; Isa 29:24; Ro 2:20

See also