In 1962 Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley published What Kind of Fool Am I? which became a popular song. Artists such as Sammy Davis Jr. and Andy Williams, even Kermit the Frog, performed the song throughout the 60’s and 70’s. Though the song addressed a man who wouldn’t/couldn’t commit to a relationship, irony resides in the title itself.
The Bible refers to fools over 100 times, and foolish behavior an additional 80+ times. Clearly God is concerned about fools.
But what is a fool? Is it simply someone who won’t commit to a relationship? No, it includes that but so much more. Primarily a fool is someone who insists on living his or her life as though God does not exist. They don’t think about how God might view their behavior or thoughts. They don’t consider what the Bible might teach about the decision they are faced with. They don’t take into account what God says about how to treat other people. They ignore the teaching of God’s Word about handling finances. They live a self-focused life. This is a fool.
Consider the wealthy farmer in Luke 12:16-21. God blessed this man with an abundant harvest. He was faced with a difficult business decision. What should he do with his excess harvested grain? He chose to build bigger silos and granaries, which wasn’t necessarily wrong. The sinful attitude is revealed in 12:19, “Relax, eat, drink, celebrate!” (NET)
The problem was not the man’s wealth. God gave it to him. The problem was not the harvest. God gave him an abundant yield. The problem was not new granaries. The problem was that the man chose not to stop and ask, “What would God want me to do with my excess wealth?” He didn’t stop to consider anyone other than himself. Therefore God identifies this man as a Fool.
Our culture tells us to focus only on this life, while God calls us to focus on the life to come. Everyone will live forever in one of two places: either in God’s presence or away from God’s presence.
The wise will prepare for the day when their soul is demanded back by God. They will make preparation for the day of their death by turning to God’s Word and seeking His truth. Foundational is the truth concerning our sin and God’s answer to that urgent problem through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. The fool will ignore this, while the wise will agree with God and submit to Him.
What kind of fool are you?
