# fool, foolish, folly

## Definition:

The term “fool” refers to a person who often makes wrong choices, especially choosing to disobey. The term “foolish” describes a person or behavior that is not wise.

* In the Bible, the term “fool” usually refers to a person who does not believe or obey God. This is often contrasted to the wise person, who trusts in God and obeys God.
* In the Psalms, David describes a fool as a person who does not believe in God, one who ignores all the evidence of God in his creation.
* The Old Testament book of Proverbs also gives many descriptions of what a fool, or foolish person, is like.
* The term “folly” refers to an action that is not wise because it is against God’s will. Often “folly” also includes the meaning of something that is ridiculous or dangerous.

## Translation Suggestions:

* The term “fool” could be translated as “foolish person” or “unwise person” or “senseless person” or “ungodly person.”
* Ways to translate “foolish” could include “lacking understanding” or “unwise” or “senseless.”

(See also: [wise](../kt/wise.md))

## Bible References:

* [Ecclesiastes 1:17](rc://en/tn/help/ecc/01/17)
* [Ephesians 5:15](rc://en/tn/help/eph/05/15)
* [Galatians 3:3](rc://en/tn/help/gal/03/03)
* [Genesis 31:28](rc://en/tn/help/gen/31/28)
* [Matthew 7:26](rc://en/tn/help/mat/07/26)
* [Matthew 25:8](rc://en/tn/help/mat/25/08)
* [Proverbs 13:16](rc://en/tn/help/pro/13/16)
* [Psalms 49:13](rc://en/tn/help/psa/049/13)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H191, H196, H200, H1198, H1984, H2973, H3684, H3687, H3688, H3689, H3690, H5014, H5034, H5036, H5039, H5528, H5529, H5530, H5531, H6612, H8417, H8602, H8604, G453, G454, G781, G801, G877, G878, G2757, G3150, G3154, G3471, G3472, G3473, G3474, G3912