"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,"
Ephesians 5:15

The focus of this message is our final answer to the question, Who is a fool? A person is a fool who scoffs at sin. Before we look at this last point, lets review the definition of a fool.

Reviewing the Definition of A Fool

The term fool is often used for a sinful, wicked or immoral person who will not obey the commands of the Lord. The fool acts contrary to biblical wisdom in his choices and behavior. He follows his own inclinations and desires. The fool prefers to enjoy the immediate, insignificant pleasures of the here and now to obeying and serving the Lord and being rewarded in eternity.

Focus: Who is a fool? A person is a fool who scoffs at sin.

There are two key passages that I turn your attention to --

"Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour." Proverbs 14:9

"It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom." Proverbs 10:23

• A Fool Makes Light of Sin

Consider the former passage: "Fools make a mock at sin." Proverbs 14:9

The key word in this passage is mock. It is a translation of the Hebrew word Uwl luwts (loots; 03887) that literally means "to make mouths at." The implication is, one who talks arrogantly, scoffs, sneer at or scorns. What this verse is saying is that fools make light of sin. They ignore or scoff at anyone who rebukes them for their sinful behabior.

• A Fool Amuses Himself With Sin

Turn to Proverbs 10:23 "It is as sport to a fool to do mischief." In order to understand this verse we must look at two key words. The first is mischief. The problem is that in the 21^st century mischief connotes trivial trouble making. But, back in the 17^th century mischief intentional injury; harm or damage done by design. The Hebrew word translated mischief is this verse is ever stronger. It is hmz zimmah (zim-maw'; 2154), which means heinous sin, crime or wickedness.

That brings us to the word sport. The Hebrew word is qwxs sechowq (sekh-oke'; 7814), which means contemptuous or despicable amusement. The best biblical illustration that will help us to understand the word sport is found in Judges 16:20-27. The wicked Philistines took great pleasure in gouging out Samsons eyes and then amusing themselves by taunting him.

Proverbs 10:23 could legitimately be stated this way. Fools amuse themselves by practicing great wickedness!

18^th century Baptist preacher John Gill says, "It is as sport to a fool to do mischief" refers to doing any injury to the persons and properties of men, which shows a most wicked and malicious spirit and a very depraved nature. It means, "to commit sin" of any sort, which he has devised in his own heart. It is as a "laughing," as the words may be rendered. Rather, it is a laughing matter to him; he commits sin, and, when he has done it, laughs at it. Instead of being ashamed of it, and humbled for it, he makes a mock at it, and a jest of it, as well as of all religion, and of the reproofs and admonitions of good men. Sin is his pastime. He takes as much delight and takes pleasure in it as men do in their sports. He commits sin openly and freely; yea, not only takes pleasure in doing it himself, but in them that do it.

Gills comments are well founded. Consider Romans 1:28-32. The key verse is verse 32. Lets read the passage. "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."

• There is a payday coming for the fool who scoffs at sin!

Dont toy with sin. It does not pay. Psalm 1 makes that clear! While there are those who laugh at future judgment God has promised in His Word saying, "where is the promise of his coming?" (2 Peter 3:4), Gods judgment will come to pass in his time. Proverbs 19:29 says, "Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools." Isaiah 5:20 asserts, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

There is a dramatic contrast between how God deals with the fool and how He deals with the righteous. One of our text verses notes: "among the righteous there is favour." Proverbs 14:9. That is to say, the righteous enjoy the favor of God and man. They experience "the good will" of God.

I would rather experience the good will of God than the judgment of God any day. What about you? If you agree, dont be a fool when it comes to sin.

Who Is A Fool?

Part #1 A person is a fool who denies the existence of God. Psalms 14:1
Part #2 A person is a fool who trusts in his own heart. Proverbs 28:26
Part #3 A person is a fool who despises wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
Part #4 A person is a fool who is quick-tempered. Ecc. 7:9; Proverbs 14:16-17
Part #5 A person is a fool who scoffs at sin. Proverbs 14:9; 10:23