How do we reach one who is lost in foolishness?

“Fools are undone by their big mouths;
their souls are crushed by their words”.    Prov.  18:7  MSG Bible

The prodigal son did not come to his senses until he was allowed to suffer the consequences of his sins (Lk 15:11-14).    We must not hinder fools from entering the pig pen for it is there that they may come to recognize their folly.

Are fools utterly hopeless?

Should we not make any effort to turn them from their folly?

In one sense, all unbelievers are fools because they have rejected the fear of the Lord, should we do nothing to win them to Christ?

The point which Proverbs is stressing is that the fool cannot be reasoned from his folly, cannot be shamed from it, and likely cannot even be beaten from it (Prov. 27:22).  

This should not, however, lead us to the conclusion that the fool is utterly hopeless and helpless.   Everyone who does not know Christ is hopelessly lost apart from divine intervention.  The reason why Proverbs teaches us not to try to reform a fool is that he must be TRANSFORMED!

The fool’s problem is a heart issue! 

“Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life”.   Prov. 4:23 NLT

Proverbs reminds us that if we would help deliver a fool from his folly he must be saved from his sins.   Rather than working on the symptoms of his folly, we must deal with the heart of the matter.   Notice that Proverbs wisdom offers herself to all men; and specifically the fool is urged to turn from his folly.

“O foolish ones, how long will you love being foolish?   How long will those who laugh at others be happy in their laughing?   How long will fools hate much learning?    Listen to my strong words! See, I will pour out my spirit on you.   I will make my words known to you.    I called but you would not listen. I put out my hand and no one gave it a thought”.   Prov. 1:22-24 NLV

The solution for the fool is to turn from his folly, from trusting in himself, to fearing God.   If we would help the fool it is by proclaiming to him the way of salvation, not trying to inform him or reform him.  

It is only the gospel which transforms men through the power of the shed blood of Jesus Christ!

Glory be unto God!

“I’m not ashamed of the gospel: it is God’s own power for salvation to all who have faith in God, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.   God’s righteousness is being revealed in the gospel, from faithfulness for faith, as it is written, The righteous person will live by faith”.    Romans 1:16-17 CEB