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If you grew up in the northern Midwest, as I did, you know that Mother Nature often throws out a teaser of spring weather and then — wham! — along comes a curveball snowstorm. True to form, when I awoke and looked out my window this morning, our neighbor’s roof was covered in the white stuff.
I had to smile. It was April Fools' Day.
The Bible, especially the Old Testament, uses several words in both Hebrew and Greek to describe the 'fool'. And further, no ink is spared when it comes to admonishing the fool.
Who is this fool? Well, in the Old Testament, the word 'fool' is actually a translation of five different Hebrew words that reflect subtle differences. Let’s look at these types or categories:- First, there is the ‘pethiy‘ or simple fool (Proverbs 10:14, 20:3). This person is perhaps naively and passively ignorant. He is gullible; she is too trusting. Fortunately, this kind of 'fool' is teachable. However if he or she does not make the effort to grow in wisdom and knowledge, they may both play...and stay the fool.
- Second, we see a ‘eviyil‘ or silly fool (Proverbs 12:15, 27:3). This fool is not naïve, but more hardened in his or her thinking and actions. The mouth frequently gets these fools into trouble. Rather than seeking wisdom, they despise it from both Scripture and others.
- Third, Proverbs 1:22 and 12:15 speak of the ‘keciyl’ or sensual fool. The foolishness here tends toward complacency or laziness in relation to things of the flesh. The 'fool's' immediate focus is on items and experiences that give immediate pleasure.
- Fourth, we read in Psalms 1:1 and Proverbs 13:1 of the ‘luwts’ or scorning fool. Here, we might think of alternate words such as ‘scoffer’ or ‘mocker’. Unlike the simple fool, this 'fool' really knows his or her stuff and doesn't hesitate to let everyone else know it. He or she looks down on others, voices disagreement, and ridicules others for their beliefs.
- As a side note, sometimes the Bible uses multiple types of fools in its admonitions. For example, in Proverbs 21:11 and 22:10, both the scorner and simple fools are addressed.
- Finally, we meet the 'nabal’ or steadfast fool (Psalms 14:1). This is someone who consistently makes bad choices. He or she is also the 'fool' described in Psalms 14:1 who says there is no God. While we all sin or make bad choices from time to time, the 'nabal' doesn't learn from his mistakes. For those participants in Year A, this 'fool' should be quite familiar! Recall that we recently read about Abigail’s husband Nabal, whose name means (you guessed it!) 'fool'. Just as his name predicts, Nabal refuses to give food to David and his men when they are on the run from Saul (1 Samuel 25:4-11)
We all can act as 'fools' in a negative way throughout our life. The point is to be open to correction, repent, and recognize how we need the wisdom of God as incarnated in Christ. Thus, we can be transformed into 'fools' (Greek: 'moroi') for Christ as St. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 4:10. Happy April Fools' Day!