Folly, effects of

The attitude that leads to a closing of the mind towards God and his truth, and a false self-confidence, which results in being easily led astray, failure to see danger, unpreparedness and ultimate ruin.

Folly gives a false basis for confidence

Contempt for God's wisdom

Proverbs 1:7 See also Job 28:28; Psalm 14:1, Psalm 85:8, Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:20–27, Proverbs 12:1, Proverbs 18:2

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Blindness to God's truth

Ephesians 5:17 See also Psalm 92:6; Ecclesiastes 5:1–4; Jeremiah 5:4; Luke 11:39–40 hypocrisy in worship; Romans 1:21; 1 Corinthians 15:36 failure to understand the nature of death and resurrection; 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9 futile controversies

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Rebellion against God's authority

Psalm 107:17; Jeremiah 5:21–25

Self-reliance

Proverbs 28:26 See also Proverbs 11:28, Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 14:12; Luke 12:20

He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

Folly cannot be hidden

Ecclesiastes 10:3 See also Psalm 69:5; Proverbs 12:23, Proverbs 13:16, Proverbs 15:2; 2 Timothy 3:9

Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.

Folly opens the way to deception

Proverbs 14:8

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

Being led astray

Proverbs 14:15 See also Proverbs 7:7–23, Proverbs 9:13–18; Ecclesiastes 7:26; Hosea 7:11; Galatians 3:1

The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.

Failing to see danger

Proverbs 22:3 See also Ecclesiastes 4:13

The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.

Being unprepared

Matthew 25:10

But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut.

The consequences of folly

Destruction and ruin

Proverbs 1:32 See also Proverbs 5:23, Proverbs 10:8; Ecclesiastes 7:17; 1 Timothy 6:9

For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.

Shame

Proverbs 3:35 See also Proverbs 18:13; Isaiah 44:9; Jeremiah 8:9

The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame.

Grief to parents

Proverbs 17:25 See also Proverbs 10:1, Proverbs 15:20, Proverbs 17:21

A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.

Punishment

Proverbs 16:22 See also Psalm 38:5; Proverbs 18:6, Proverbs 26:3

Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.

Exclusion from God's way of salvation

Isaiah 35:8 See also Matthew 25:10–12

And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it — only those who walk in the Way — and fools will not stray onto it.

Folly is persistent

Proverbs 27:22 See also Proverbs 15:14, Proverbs 26:11

Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him.