The Heart of a Fool

There are many things the world calls foolishness. Some think a fool is simply someone who lacks intelligence, makes poor decisions, or behaves carelessly. But Scripture paints a much deeper picture.

In the first book of Samuel, particularly chapter 25, and in Psalms 14:1, we are shown that foolishness is not primarily about intellect. It is about the condition of the heart.

"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'"

— Psalm 14:1 NKJV

The fool is not merely someone who denies God with words. Sometimes, a person may acknowledge God with their lips while living as though God has no authority over their life.

A fool is one who leaves no room for God in his heart, decisions, responses, and desires.

He becomes self-governed, self-centered, and self-absorbed. In subtle ways, he enthrones himself as god over his own life. And when a man no longer recognises God's rule, he also loses the ability to recognise God's work.

This is why fools often find themselves resisting what God is doing. They fight battles they were never meant to fight. They stand on the wrong side of situations because they cannot discern the hand of God in the matter.

This is exactly what we see in the story of Nabal.

The Bible Gives Us a Clear Account of Nabal. A Fool With Wealth but Without Discernment.

Nabal was introduced as a wealthy man. He had influence, possessions, and status, but despite all his prosperity, Scripture later describes him in a way that reveals his true condition.

"I know Nabal is a wicked and ill-tempered man; please don't pay any attention to him. He is a fool, just as his name suggests. But I never even saw the young men you sent."

— 1 Samuel 25:25 NLT

Earlier on, when David's men came to him in peace, asking for kindness after protecting his shepherds and flocks, Nabal responded harshly:

"Who is David, and who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants nowadays who break away each one from his master."

— 1 Samuel 25:10 NKJV

From a natural perspective, Nabal's reasoning almost sounds sensible.

To him, David looked like a rebellious servant rising against his master, Saul. Perhaps Nabal had seen men abuse power before. Perhaps he had encountered dishonest and rebellious workers in business. Humanly speaking, his suspicion sounded rational.

However, spiritual matters cannot be judged merely through human logic. Nabal lacked spiritual discernment. He could not perceive what God was doing. He did not understand that David was God's chosen king, even though Saul still sat on the throne.

While heaven was moving in one direction, Nabal stood firmly in another. And this is what made him a fool. His problem was not intellectual deficiency. It was spiritual blindness.

A man may be brilliant in business, educated in culture, respected in society, and still be foolish before God if he cannot discern the ways of the Lord.

Foolishness Is the Absence of Spiritual Intelligence.

A fool is someone who refuses wisdom beyond his own understanding. He is locked into his perspective and unwilling to seek God's heart concerning a matter. He judges everything by appearance, emotion, pride, or personal experience, but never pauses to ask, "Lord, what are You doing here?"

Foolishness is not merely ignorance. It is resistance to divine perspective.

This was so evident in Nabal's life that even his servants recognized it. Speaking to Abigail, one servant said:

"He's so ill-tempered that no one can even talk to him!"

— 1 Samuel 25:17 NLT

That is one of the clearest marks of foolishness; an inability to listen.

The inability or unwillingness to listen to others (and to God) is one characteristic of a fool.

A fool cannot be corrected because his heart is already convinced of its own wisdom. He does not listen to counsel, does not consider another perspective, and ultimately does not seek the Lord.

And this is dangerous, because when a man cannot be spoken to, destruction is often close behind.

The Wise Acknowledge God.

Wisdom begins when a person gives God His rightful place. When you truly acknowledge God, you become sensitive to His movements. You stop judging life merely by appearances. You become careful not to oppose what heaven is supporting.

The wise person continually asks:

"What is God saying?" "What is God doing?" "How do I align with Him?"

Such a person may not know everything, but they remain teachable before God. And that is the difference between wisdom and foolishness.

A fool trusts entirely in himself, but a wise man leans on the Lord.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction."

— Proverbs 1:7 KJV