What Does the Bible Say About Fool Wiser Than He Is?

Proverbs 29:11 ESV / 10 helpful votes

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

1 Corinthians 1:25 ESV / 8 helpful votes

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Proverbs 20:3 ESV / 7 helpful votes

It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.

Psalm 14:1 ESV / 7 helpful votes

To the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.

Proverbs 19:11 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 13:20 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 13:10 ESV / 6 helpful votes

By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.

Proverbs 9:9 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

Proverbs 1:7 ESV / 6 helpful votes

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 26:12 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs 26:11 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.

Proverbs 14:16 ESV / 5 helpful votes

One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.

Proverbs 12:16 ESV / 5 helpful votes

The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

Proverbs 12:1 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Proverbs 11:2 ESV / 5 helpful votes

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 10:18 ESV / 5 helpful votes

The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.

Proverbs 10:17 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.

Proverbs 10:8 ESV / 5 helpful votes

The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

Exodus 20:12 ESV / 5 helpful votes

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

James 1:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

1 Corinthians 3:19 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,”

1 Corinthians 1:27 ESV / 4 helpful votes

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Proverbs 26:4-5 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Proverbs 26:1-28 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool. Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. ...

Proverbs 15:2 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

Proverbs 15:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 14:8 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.

Proverbs 14:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

Proverbs 14:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes

By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

Proverbs 12:15 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 10:23 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.

Proverbs 10:14 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.

Proverbs 9:12 ESV / 4 helpful votes

If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

Proverbs 1:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,

Job 28:28 ESV / 4 helpful votes

And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

1 John 4:20 ESV / 3 helpful votes

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

1 John 2:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes

But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

1 Peter 3:10 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;

1 Peter 3:9 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

1 Peter 3:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes

As Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

1 Peter 2:17 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

James 3:17 ESV / 3 helpful votes

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

James 3:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

James 1:26 ESV / 3 helpful votes

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Hebrews 13:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Hebrews 12:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 4:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

1 Timothy 3:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Colossians 3:20 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Ephesians 6:1-3 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

Ephesians 4:32 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Galatians 5:22-23 ESV / 3 helpful votes

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

1 Corinthians 4:10 ESV / 3 helpful votes

We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.

Romans 12:10 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Lamentations 3:27 ESV / 3 helpful votes

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.

Ecclesiastes 10:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes

A wise man's heart inclines him to the right, but a fool's heart to the left.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Proverbs 30:17 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.

Proverbs 29:15 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

Proverbs 28:26 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Proverbs 27:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

Proverbs 26:1-11 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool. Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. ...

Proverbs 25:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

Proverbs 23:9 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.

Proverbs 21:23 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Proverbs 19:20 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Proverbs 18:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 18:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes

A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

Proverbs 18:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Proverbs 18:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

Proverbs 17:28 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Proverbs 17:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?

Proverbs 16:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 15:31 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.

Proverbs 14:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.

Proverbs 13:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.

Proverbs 13:3 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Proverbs 13:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes

A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 12:22 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

Proverbs 11:30 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.

Proverbs 11:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.

Proverbs 10:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

Proverbs 10:9 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

Proverbs 3:34 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.

Proverbs 3:11-12 ESV / 3 helpful votes

My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

Proverbs 3:7 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 1:10 ESV / 3 helpful votes

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.

Proverbs 1:8-9 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.

Psalm 111:10 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

Psalm 107:17 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction;

Revelation 3:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

Revelation 3:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes

So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

Revelation 3:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.

1 John 3:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

1 Peter 5:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 3:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:1-12 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, ...

100 Bible Verses about Fool Wiser Than He Is

Proverbs 29:11 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 1:25 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 20:3 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 14:1 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 19:11 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:20 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:10 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 9:9 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 1:7 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 26:12 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 26:11 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:16 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:16 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:1 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 11:2 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 10:18 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 10:17 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 10:8 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Exodus 20:12 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 1:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 3:19 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 1:27 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 26:4-5 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 26:1-28 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:2 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:8 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:15 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 10:23 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 10:14 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 9:12 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 1:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Job 28:28 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 John 4:20 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 John 2:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 3:10 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 3:9 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 3:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 2:17 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 3:17 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 3:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 1:26 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 13:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 12:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 4:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 3:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 3:20 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 6:1-3 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 4:32 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Galatians 5:22-23 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 4:10 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 12:10 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Lamentations 3:27 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ecclesiastes 10:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ecclesiastes 7:8 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 30:17 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 29:15 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 28:26 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 27:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 26:1-11 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 25:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 23:9 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 21:23 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 19:20 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 17:28 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 17:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 16:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:31 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:3 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful