how are you building?

How Are You Building?How Are You Building?

Matthew 7:24-27 (NKJV)Matthew 7:24-27 (NKJV) 24 “Therefore 24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

How Are You Building?How Are You Building?

26 “But everyone who hears these sayings 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

Who is a fool?Who is a fool?

FoolFool - “Signifies ‘without reason’ …. want - “Signifies ‘without reason’ …. want of mental sanity and sobriety, a reckless of mental sanity and sobriety, a reckless and inconsiderate habit of mind …. the lack and inconsiderate habit of mind …. the lack of common sense perception of the of common sense perception of the reality of things natural and spiritual …. Or reality of things natural and spiritual …. Or the imprudent ordering of one’s life in the imprudent ordering of one’s life in regard to salvation.” ---regard to salvation.” --- Vine’s Vine’s


Jesus warned against a casual use of Jesus warned against a casual use of this word. this word. (Mt 5:22; Mk 7:21-23)(Mt 5:22; Mk 7:21-23)


Matthew 5:22 (NKJV)Matthew 5:22 (NKJV) 22 But I say to you 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.danger of hell fire.


Mark 7:21-23 (NKJV)Mark 7:21-23 (NKJV) 21 For from within, 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23All these evil things come foolishness. 23All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”from within and defile a man.”


Jesus warned against a casual use of Jesus warned against a casual use of this word. this word. (Mt 5:22; Mk 7:21-23)(Mt 5:22; Mk 7:21-23)– There is a difference between the There is a difference between the

immature and the fool. immature and the fool.


Who will you choose as a friend?Who will you choose as a friend?


Who will you choose as a friend?Who will you choose as a friend?– A good friend will correct you A good friend will correct you

(Prov 27:6, 9, 17)(Prov 27:6, 9, 17)


Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV)Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV) 6 6 Faithful Faithful areare the the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy enemy areare deceitful. deceitful.


Proverbs 27:9 (NKJV)Proverbs 27:9 (NKJV) 9 9 Ointment and Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend sweetness of a man’s friend gives delightgives delight by by hearty counsel.hearty counsel.


Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV) 17 17 AsAs iron iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.countenance of his friend.



(Prov 27:6,9,17)(Prov 27:6,9,17)

– A fool will destroy you. A fool will destroy you. (Prov 13:19-20)(Prov 13:19-20)


Proverbs 13:19-20 (NKJV) Proverbs 13:19-20 (NKJV) 19 A desire 19 A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, But accomplished is sweet to the soul, But it isit is an abomination to fools to depart from evilan abomination to fools to depart from evil. . 2020 He who walks with wise He who walks with wise menmen will be will be wise, But wise, But the companion of fools will be the companion of fools will be destroyed.destroyed.



(Prov 27:6,9,17)(Prov 27:6,9,17)

– A fool will destroy you. A fool will destroy you. (Prov 13:19-20)(Prov 13:19-20)

– There is a real temptation to make a There is a real temptation to make a fool your friend.fool your friend.

How does a fool make decisions?How does a fool make decisions?

The fool wants short-term pleasure. The fool wants short-term pleasure. (Ecc 7:4-6)(Ecc 7:4-6)


Ecclesiastes 7:4-6 (NKJV)Ecclesiastes 7:4-6 (NKJV) – – 4 The heart of 4 The heart of the wise the wise isis in the house of mourning, in the house of mourning, But But the heart of fools the heart of fools isis in the house of mirth in the house of mirth. 5 . 5 It isIt is better to hear the rebuke of the wise better to hear the rebuke of the wise Than for a man to hear the song of foolsThan for a man to hear the song of fools. 6 . 6 For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, So So isis the laughter of the fool the laughter of the fool. This also is . This also is vanity.vanity.


The fool wants short-term pleasure. The fool wants short-term pleasure. (Ecc 7:4-6)(Ecc 7:4-6)– He will boast about sin! He will boast about sin! (Prov 10:23)(Prov 10:23)


Proverbs 10:23 (NKJV)Proverbs 10:23 (NKJV) 23 To do evil 23 To do evil isis like sport to a foollike sport to a fool, But a man of , But a man of understanding has wisdom.understanding has wisdom.


The fool wants short-term pleasure. The fool wants short-term pleasure. (Ecc 7:4-6)(Ecc 7:4-6)– He will boast about sin! He will boast about sin! (Prov 10:23)(Prov 10:23)

– He will deceive others in order to satisfy He will deceive others in order to satisfy his lust.his lust.


The fool has no interest in The fool has no interest in understanding. understanding. (Prov 17:16) (Prov 17:16)


Proverbs 17:16 (NKJV) Proverbs 17:16 (NKJV) 16 Why 16 Why is thereis there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, wisdom, Since Since he hashe has no heart no heart for itfor it??


The fool has no interest in The fool has no interest in understanding. understanding. (Prov 17:16) (Prov 17:16)– Without wisdom one will experience a Without wisdom one will experience a

tragic life. tragic life. (Ecc 2:14)(Ecc 2:14)


Ecclesiastes 2:14 (NKJV)Ecclesiastes 2:14 (NKJV) 14 The wise 14 The wise man’s eyes man’s eyes areare in his head, in his head, But the fool But the fool walks in darknesswalks in darkness. Yet I myself perceived . Yet I myself perceived That the same event happens to them all.That the same event happens to them all.


The fool has no interest in The fool has no interest in understanding. understanding. (Prov 17:16) (Prov 17:16)– Without wisdom one will experience a Without wisdom one will experience a

tragic life. tragic life. (Ecc 2:14)(Ecc 2:14)

– The fool despises wisdom. The fool despises wisdom. (Prov 1:7)(Prov 1:7)


Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV)Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV) 7 7 The fear of the The fear of the Lord Lord isis the beginning of knowledge, the beginning of knowledge, ButBut fools despise wisdom and instructionfools despise wisdom and instruction..


The fool will not learn from failureThe fool will not learn from failure ‑ ‑ (Prov 26:11; 27:22)(Prov 26:11; 27:22)


Proverbs 26:11 (NKJV)Proverbs 26:11 (NKJV) 11 As a dog 11 As a dog returns to his own vomit, returns to his own vomit, SoSo a fool a fool repeats his follyrepeats his folly..


Proverbs 27:22 (NKJV)Proverbs 27:22 (NKJV) 22 Though you 22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, with crushed grain, YetYet his foolishness will his foolishness will not depart from himnot depart from him..


The fool will not learn from failureThe fool will not learn from failure ‑ ‑ (Prov 26:11; 27:22)(Prov 26:11; 27:22) – Sometimes I have seen one’s folly and Sometimes I have seen one’s folly and

say: “Life will beat it out of them”.say: “Life will beat it out of them”.


The fool will not learn from failureThe fool will not learn from failure ‑ ‑ (Prov 26:11; 27:22)(Prov 26:11; 27:22) – Sometimes I have seen one’s folly and Sometimes I have seen one’s folly and

say: “Life will beat it out of them”.say: “Life will beat it out of them”.

– This is not always true. This is not always true. (Prov 17:10)(Prov 17:10)


Proverbs 17:10 (NKJV)Proverbs 17:10 (NKJV) 10 Rebuke is 10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise more effective for a wise man man Than a Than a hundred blows on a foolhundred blows on a fool..

How does a fool influence others?How does a fool influence others?

His confidence tempts others. His confidence tempts others. ((Prov 12:15)Prov 12:15)


Proverbs 12:15 (NKJV)Proverbs 12:15 (NKJV) 15 The way of a 15 The way of a fool fool isis right in his own eyes, But he who right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel heeds counsel isis wise. wise.


His confidence tempts others. His confidence tempts others. ((Prov 12:15)Prov 12:15)– Some “need” to follow anotherSome “need” to follow another



– This confidence God calls recklessness. This confidence God calls recklessness. (Prov 14:16 NIV)(Prov 14:16 NIV)


Proverbs 14:16 (NIV) Proverbs 14:16 (NIV) 16 A wise man fears 16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is but a fool is hotheaded and recklesshotheaded and reckless..



– This confidence God calls recklessness. This confidence God calls recklessness. (Prov 14:16 NIV)(Prov 14:16 NIV)

– The fool will maintain his way is right! The fool will maintain his way is right! (Prov 12:15)(Prov 12:15)


Proverbs 12:15 (NKJV)Proverbs 12:15 (NKJV) 15 The way of a 15 The way of a fool fool isis right in his own eyes, But he who right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel heeds counsel isis wise. wise.


The fool has a perception of others that The fool has a perception of others that allows him to manipulate. allows him to manipulate.


The fool has a perception of others that The fool has a perception of others that allows him to manipulate. allows him to manipulate. – He is quick to see what works to gain He is quick to see what works to gain

your favoryour favor



your favor. your favor.

– Does a person need praise? Does a person need praise? (Psa 12:2-4; Prov 29:5)(Psa 12:2-4; Prov 29:5)


Psalm 12:2-4 (NKJV) Psalm 12:2-4 (NKJV) 2 They speak idly 2 They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; everyone with his neighbor; WithWith flattering flattering lips lips andand a double heart they speak a double heart they speak. 3 May . 3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the Lord cut off all flattering lips, AndAnd the the tongue that speaks proud things, 4 Who tongue that speaks proud things, 4 Who have said, “have said, “With our tongue we will With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips prevail; Our lips areare our own; Who our own; Who isis lord lord over usover us?”?”


Proverbs 29:5 (NKJV)Proverbs 29:5 (NKJV) 5 5 A man who A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.feet.



your favor. your favor.

– Does a person need praise? Does a person need praise? (Psa 12:2-4; Prov 29:5)(Psa 12:2-4; Prov 29:5)

– He will tell you what you want to hear. He will tell you what you want to hear.


The fool will use people like a tissue The fool will use people like a tissue and then throw them away.and then throw them away.


The fool will use people like a tissue The fool will use people like a tissue and then throw them away.and then throw them away.– He will use your weaknesses to enslave He will use your weaknesses to enslave

you. you. (Prov 29:5)(Prov 29:5)


Proverbs 29:5 (NKJV)Proverbs 29:5 (NKJV) 5 5 A man who A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.feet.




– A fool will push you to drop your morals.A fool will push you to drop your morals.




– A fool will push you to drop your morals.A fool will push you to drop your morals.

– The fool will use another to satisfy The fool will use another to satisfy his lusts. his lusts. (Prov 2:16; 6:24; 7:21)(Prov 2:16; 6:24; 7:21)


Proverbs 2:16 (NKJV)Proverbs 2:16 (NKJV) 16 To deliver you 16 To deliver you from the immoral woman, From the from the immoral woman, From the seductress seductress whowho flatters with her words, flatters with her words,


Proverbs 6:24 (NKJV)Proverbs 6:24 (NKJV) 24 To keep you 24 To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress.tongue of a seductress.


Proverbs 7:21 (NKJV)Proverbs 7:21 (NKJV) 21 With her 21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him.With her flattering lips she seduced him.


The fool will use people like a tissue The fool will use people like a tissue and then throw them away.and then throw them away.– The fool will use another to satisfy his The fool will use another to satisfy his

lusts. lusts. (Prov 2:16; 6:24; 7:21)(Prov 2:16; 6:24; 7:21)

– The fool will discard you if you get in the The fool will discard you if you get in the way of their “fun.” way of their “fun.” (Prov 15:5; 23:9)(Prov 15:5; 23:9)


Proverbs 15:5 (NKJV)Proverbs 15:5 (NKJV) 55 A fool despises A fool despises his father’s instructionhis father’s instruction, But he who receives , But he who receives correction is prudent.correction is prudent.


Proverbs 23:9 (NKJV) Proverbs 23:9 (NKJV) 99 Do not speak Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise he will despise the wisdom of your wordsthe wisdom of your words..


The fool will use his temper to get his The fool will use his temper to get his way. way. (Prov 17:12 NRSV)(Prov 17:12 NRSV)


Proverbs 17:12 (NRSV) Proverbs 17:12 (NRSV) 12 Better to meet 12 Better to meet a she-bear robbed of its cubs a she-bear robbed of its cubs than to than to confront a fool immersed in follyconfront a fool immersed in folly..


The fool will use his temper to get his The fool will use his temper to get his way. way. (Prov 17:12 NRSV)(Prov 17:12 NRSV)– The fool knows how to use intimidation The fool knows how to use intimidation

to get another to “shut up.”to get another to “shut up.”


The fool will use his temper to get his The fool will use his temper to get his way. way. (Prov 17:12 NRSV)(Prov 17:12 NRSV)– The fool knows how to use intimidation The fool knows how to use intimidation

to get another to “shut up.”to get another to “shut up.”

– The fool will use others fears. The fool will use others fears. (Ex. Slander.)(Ex. Slander.)

How can you identify a fool?How can you identify a fool?

How does he speak? How does he speak? (Ecc 10:13-14; 5:3)(Ecc 10:13-14; 5:3)


Ecclesiastes 10:13-14 (NKJVEcclesiastes 10:13-14 (NKJV) - ) - 1313 The The words of his mouth begin with foolishness, words of his mouth begin with foolishness, And the end of his talk And the end of his talk isis raving madness. raving madness. 1414 A fool also multiplies wordsA fool also multiplies words. No man . No man knows what is to be; Who can tell him what knows what is to be; Who can tell him what will be after him?will be after him?


Ecclesiastes 5:3 (NKJV) Ecclesiastes 5:3 (NKJV) – – 3 For a dream 3 For a dream comes through much activity, And comes through much activity, And a fool’s a fool’s voice voice is knownis known by by hishis many words many words..


Proverbs 15:5 (NKJV)Proverbs 15:5 (NKJV) 5 5 A fool despises A fool despises his father’s instructionhis father’s instruction, But he who receives , But he who receives correction is prudent.correction is prudent.


Proverbs 14:1 (NKJV)Proverbs 14:1 (NKJV) 11 The wise The wise woman builds her house, But the woman builds her house, But the foolish foolish pulls it down with her handspulls it down with her hands..


How does he speak? How does he speak? (Ecc 10:13-14; 5:3)(Ecc 10:13-14; 5:3)

How does he speak of others? How does he speak of others? (Prov 15:5; Prov 14:1)(Prov 15:5; Prov 14:1)

How does he speak about God? How does he speak about God? (Psa 14:1; Ps 92:5-6)(Psa 14:1; Ps 92:5-6)


Psalm 14:1 (NKJV)Psalm 14:1 (NKJV) 1 The fool has said in 1 The fool has said in his heart, “his heart, “There isThere is no God.” They are no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.There is none who does good.


Psalm 92:5-6 (NKJV) Psalm 92:5-6 (NKJV) – – 5 O Lord, how 5 O Lord, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep. 6 very deep. 6 A senseless man does not A senseless man does not know, Nor does a fool understand thisknow, Nor does a fool understand this..


A fool’s interest in God exists only as A fool’s interest in God exists only as means of drawing attention to self.means of drawing attention to self.


A fool’s interest in God exists only as A fool’s interest in God exists only as means of drawing attention to self.means of drawing attention to self.

A fool will not last long. A great concern is: A fool will not last long. A great concern is: “who will he take with them?”“who will he take with them?”


Does he listen, learn and change? Does he listen, learn and change? (Prov 27:22)(Prov 27:22)


Proverbs 27:22 (NKJV)Proverbs 27:22 (NKJV) 22 Though you 22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, with crushed grain, YetYet his foolishness will his foolishness will not depart from him.not depart from him.


Does he listen, learn and change? Does he listen, learn and change? (Prov 27:22)(Prov 27:22)

Once you identify a fool you need Once you identify a fool you need wisdom in how you handle him. wisdom in how you handle him. (Prov 26:4-5)(Prov 26:4-5)


Proverbs 26:4-5 (NKJV) Proverbs 26:4-5 (NKJV) – – 4 4 Do not Do not answer a fool according to his follyanswer a fool according to his folly, Lest , Lest you also be like him. 5 you also be like him. 5 Answer a fool Answer a fool according to his follyaccording to his folly, Lest he be wise in his , Lest he be wise in his own eyes.own eyes.

What will be the end of a fool?What will be the end of a fool?

A fool will fall hard ‑A fool will fall hard ‑ (Prov 10:8,10) (Prov 10:8,10)


Proverbs 10:8 (NKJV)Proverbs 10:8 (NKJV) 88 The wise in The wise in heart will receive commands, But heart will receive commands, But a prating a prating fool will fallfool will fall..


Proverbs 10:10 (NKJV)Proverbs 10:10 (NKJV) 10 He who winks 10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble, with the eye causes trouble, But a prating But a prating fool will fallfool will fall..


A fool will fall hard ‑A fool will fall hard ‑ (Prov 10:8,10) (Prov 10:8,10) The best job for a fool is that of a slave ‑The best job for a fool is that of a slave ‑

(Prov 11:29)(Prov 11:29)


Proverbs 11:29 (NKJV)Proverbs 11:29 (NKJV) 29 He who 29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the troubles his own house will inherit the wind, And wind, And the fool the fool will bewill be servant to the servant to the wise of heartwise of heart..



(Prov 11:29)(Prov 11:29) A fool will have no honor ‑A fool will have no honor ‑ (Prov 26:1) (Prov 26:1)


Proverbs 26:1 (NKJV)Proverbs 26:1 (NKJV) 1 1 As snow in As snow in summer and rain in harvest, summer and rain in harvest, So honor is not So honor is not fitting for a foolfitting for a fool..



(Prov 11:29)(Prov 11:29) A fool will have no honor ‑A fool will have no honor ‑ (Prov 26:1) (Prov 26:1) A fool will experience a life of beatings and A fool will experience a life of beatings and

turmoil ‑ turmoil ‑ (Prov 26:3(Prov 26:3))


Proverbs 26:3 (NKJV)Proverbs 26:3 (NKJV) 33 A whip for the A whip for the horse, A bridle for the donkey, horse, A bridle for the donkey, And And a rod a rod for the fool’s backfor the fool’s back..



(Prov 11:29)(Prov 11:29) A fool will have no honor ‑A fool will have no honor ‑ (Prov 26:1) (Prov 26:1) A fool will experience a life of beatings and A fool will experience a life of beatings and

turmoil ‑ turmoil ‑ (Prov 26:3(Prov 26:3)) In the judgment God will "Reward" the fool In the judgment God will "Reward" the fool

‑‑ (Prov 26:10) (Prov 26:10)


Proverbs 26:10 (NKJV)Proverbs 26:10 (NKJV) 10 The great 10 The great GodGod who formed everything who formed everything Gives the fool Gives the fool hishis hirehire and the transgressor and the transgressor hishis wages. wages.


Stay away from those who prove to be Stay away from those who prove to be fools! fools! (Prov 23:9; 13:19-20)(Prov 23:9; 13:19-20)


Proverbs 23:9 (NKJV)Proverbs 23:9 (NKJV) 9 9 Do not speak Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.the wisdom of your words.


Proverbs 13:19-20 (NKJV) Proverbs 13:19-20 (NKJV) – – 19 A desire 19 A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, But accomplished is sweet to the soul, But it isit is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. an abomination to fools to depart from evil. 2020 He who walks with wise He who walks with wise menmen will be will be wise, wise, But the companion of fools will be But the companion of fools will be destroyeddestroyed..