Paul Tripp using the Proverbs as his guide offers twelve characteristics of a foolish person. A fool is a person who:
- Is convinced that he is right (12:15)
- Quickly shows his annoyance (12:16)
- Is hotheaded and reckless (14:16)
- Spurns discipline and correction (15:5)
- Wastes money (17:16)
- Delights in airing his own opinions (18:2)
- Is quick to quarrel (20:3)
- Scorns wisdom (23:9)
- Is wise in his own eyes (26:5)
- Trusts in himself (28:26)
- Rages and scoffs, and there is no peace around him (29:9)
- Gives full vent to his anger (29:11)
(Quoted from Paul Tripp, Instruments in the Redeemers Hands, page 291)
You are in this list. So am I. So is your teenager, your toddler, and your grandma.
Discipleship is the process whereby fools are transformed into the image of the Only Wise God. Jesus helps us stop being idiots. He also helps us to patiently (wisely) help fools be transformed by Wisdom Himself.
