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

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

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

4. Who is a fool? n Jesus warned against a casual use of this word. (Mt 5:22; Mk 7:21-23)

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

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

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

8. Who is a fool? n Who will you choose as a friend?

9. Who is a fool? n Who will you choose as a friend? –A good friend will correct you (Prov 27:6, 9, 17)

10. Who is a fool? n Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV) 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

11. Who is a fool? n Proverbs 27:9 (NKJV) 9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

12. Who is a fool? n Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV) 17 As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

13. Who is a fool? n Who will you choose as a friend? –A good friend will correct you (Prov 27:6,9,17) –A fool will destroy you. (Prov 13:19-20)

14. Who is a fool? n Proverbs 13:19-20 (NKJV) 19 A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. 20He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

15. Who is a fool? n Who will you choose as a friend? –A good friend will correct you (Prov 27:6,9,17) –A fool will destroy you. (Prov 13:19-20) –There is a real temptation to make a fool your friend.

16. How does a fool make decisions? n The fool wants short-term pleasure. (Ecc 7:4-6)

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

18. How does a fool make decisions? n The fool wants short-term pleasure. (Ecc 7:4-6) –He will boast about sin! (Prov 10:23)

19. How does a fool make decisions? n Proverbs 10:23 (NKJV) 23 To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom.

20. How does a fool make decisions? n The fool wants short-term pleasure. (Ecc 7:4-6) –He will boast about sin! (Prov 10:23) –He will deceive others in order to satisfy his lust.

21. How does a fool make decisions? n The fool has no interest in understanding. (Prov 17:16)

22. How does a fool make decisions? n Proverbs 17:16 (NKJV) 16 Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, Since he has no heart for it?

23. How does a fool make decisions? n The fool has no interest in understanding. (Prov 17:16) –Without wisdom one will experience a tragic life. (Ecc 2:14)

24. How does a fool make decisions? n Ecclesiastes 2:14 (NKJV) 14 The wise man’s eyes are in his head, But the fool walks in darkness. Yet I myself perceived That the same event happens to them all.

25. How does a fool make decisions? n The fool has no interest in understanding. (Prov 17:16) –Without wisdom one will experience a tragic life. (Ecc 2:14) –The fool despises wisdom. (Prov 1:7)

26. How does a fool make decisions? n Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV) 7The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

27. How does a fool make decisions? n The fool will not learn from failure ‑ (Prov 26:11; 27:22)

28. How does a fool make decisions? n Proverbs 26:11 (NKJV) 11 As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly.

29. How does a fool make decisions? n Proverbs 27:22 (NKJV) 22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.

30. How does a fool make decisions? n The fool will not learn from failure ‑ (Prov 26:11; 27:22) –Sometimes I have seen one’s folly and say: “Life will beat it out of them”.

31. How does a fool make decisions? n The fool will not learn from failure ‑ (Prov 26:11; 27:22) –Sometimes I have seen one’s folly and say: “Life will beat it out of them”. –This is not always true. (Prov 17:10)

32. How does a fool make decisions? n Proverbs 17:10 (NKJV) 10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool.

33. How does a fool influence others? n His confidence tempts others. (Prov 12:15)

34. How does a fool influence others? n Proverbs 12:15 (NKJV) 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.

35. How does a fool influence others? n His confidence tempts others. (Prov 12:15) –Some “need” to follow another

36. How does a fool influence others? n His confidence tempts others. (Prov 12:15) –Some “need” to follow another –This confidence God calls recklessness. (Prov 14:16 NIV)

37. How does a fool influence others? n Proverbs 14:16 (NIV) 16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

38. How does a fool influence others? n His confidence tempts others. (Prov 12:15) –Some “need” to follow another –This confidence God calls recklessness. (Prov 14:16 NIV) –The fool will maintain his way is right! (Prov 12:15)

39. How does a fool influence others? n Proverbs 12:15 (NKJV) 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.

40. How does a fool influence others? n The fool has a perception of others that allows him to manipulate.

41. How does a fool influence others? n The fool has a perception of others that allows him to manipulate. –He is quick to see what works to gain your favor

42. How does a fool influence others? n The fool has a perception of others that allows him to manipulate. –He is quick to see what works to gain your favor. –Does a person need praise? (Psa 12:2-4; Prov 29:5)

43. How does a fool influence others? n Psalm 12:2-4 (NKJV) 2 They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; With flattering lips and a double heart they speak. 3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, And the tongue that speaks proud things, 4 Who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; Who is lord over us?”

44. How does a fool influence others? n Proverbs 29:5 (NKJV) 5A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.

45. How does a fool influence others? n The fool has a perception of others that allows him to manipulate. –He is quick to see what works to gain your favor. –Does a person need praise? (Psa 12:2-4; Prov 29:5) –He will tell you what you want to hear.

46. How does a fool influence others? n The fool will use people like a tissue and then throw them away.

47. How does a fool influence others? n The fool will use people like a tissue and then throw them away. –He will use your weaknesses to enslave you. (Prov 29:5)

48. How does a fool influence others? n Proverbs 29:5 (NKJV) 5A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.

49. How does a fool influence others? n The fool will use people like a tissue and then throw them away. –He will use your weaknesses to enslave you. (Prov 29:5) –A fool will push you to drop your morals.

50. How does a fool influence others? n The fool will use people like a tissue and then throw them away. –He will use your weaknesses to enslave you. (Prov 29:5) –A fool will push you to drop your morals. –The fool will use another to satisfy his lusts. (Prov 2:16; 6:24; 7:21)

51. How does a fool influence others? n Proverbs 2:16 (NKJV) 16 To deliver you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words,

52. How does a fool influence others? n Proverbs 6:24 (NKJV) 24 To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress.

53. How does a fool influence others? n Proverbs 7:21 (NKJV) 21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him.

54. How does a fool influence others? n The fool will use people like a tissue and then throw them away. –The fool will use another to satisfy his lusts. (Prov 2:16; 6:24; 7:21) –The fool will discard you if you get in the way of their “fun.” (Prov 15:5; 23:9)

55. How does a fool influence others? n Proverbs 15:5 (NKJV) 5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.

56. How does a fool influence others? n Proverbs 23:9 (NKJV) 9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

57. How does a fool influence others? n The fool will use his temper to get his way. (Prov 17:12 NRSV)

58. How does a fool influence others? n Proverbs 17:12 (NRSV) 12 Better to meet a she-bear robbed of its cubs than to confront a fool immersed in folly.

59. How does a fool influence others? n The fool will use his temper to get his way. (Prov 17:12 NRSV) –The fool knows how to use intimidation to get another to “shut up.”

60. How does a fool influence others? n The fool will use his temper to get his way. (Prov 17:12 NRSV) –The fool knows how to use intimidation to get another to “shut up.” –The fool will use others fears. (Ex. Slander.)

61. How can you identify a fool? n How does he speak? (Ecc 10:13-14; 5:3)

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

63. How can you identify a fool? n Ecclesiastes 5:3 (NKJV) – 3 For a dream comes through much activity, And a fool’s voice is known by his many words.

64. How can you identify a fool? n Proverbs 15:5 (NKJV) 5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.

65. How can you identify a fool? n Proverbs 14:1 (NKJV) 1The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.

66. How can you identify a fool? n How does he speak? (Ecc 10:13-14; 5:3) n How does he speak of others? (Prov 15:5; Prov 14:1) n How does he speak about God? (Psa 14:1; Ps 92:5-6)

67. How can you identify a fool? n Psalm 14:1 (NKJV) 1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.

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

69. How can you identify a fool? n A fool’s interest in God exists only as means of drawing attention to self.

70. How can you identify a fool? n A fool’s interest in God exists only as means of drawing attention to self. n A fool will not last long. A great concern is: “who will he take with them?”

71. How can you identify a fool? n Does he listen, learn and change? (Prov 27:22)

72. How can you identify a fool? n Proverbs 27:22 (NKJV) 22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.

73. How can you identify a fool? n Does he listen, learn and change? (Prov 27:22) n Once you identify a fool you need wisdom in how you handle him. (Prov 26:4-5)

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

75. What will be the end of a fool? n A fool will fall hard ‑ (Prov 10:8,10)

76. What will be the end of a fool? n Proverbs 10:8 (NKJV) 8 The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.

77. What will be the end of a fool? n Proverbs 10:10 (NKJV) 10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble, But a prating fool will fall.

78. What will be the end of a fool? n A fool will fall hard ‑ (Prov 10:8,10) n The best job for a fool is that of a slave ‑ (Prov 11:29)

79. What will be the end of a fool? n Proverbs 11:29 (NKJV) 29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

80. What will be the end of a fool? n A fool will fall hard ‑ (Prov 10:8,10) n The best job for a fool is that of a slave ‑ (Prov 11:29) n A fool will have no honor ‑ (Prov 26:1)

81. What will be the end of a fool? n Proverbs 26:1 (NKJV) 1 As snow in summer and rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool.

82. What will be the end of a fool? n A fool will fall hard ‑ (Prov 10:8,10) n The best job for a fool is that of a slave ‑ (Prov 11:29) n A fool will have no honor ‑ (Prov 26:1) n A fool will experience a life of beatings and turmoil ‑ (Prov 26:3)

83. What will be the end of a fool? n Proverbs 26:3 (NKJV) 3A whip for the horse, A bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the fool’s back.

84. What will be the end of a fool? n A fool will fall hard ‑ (Prov 10:8,10) n The best job for a fool is that of a slave ‑ (Prov 11:29) n A fool will have no honor ‑ (Prov 26:1) n A fool will experience a life of beatings and turmoil ‑ (Prov 26:3) n In the judgment God will "Reward" the fool ‑ (Prov 26:10)

85. What will be the end of a fool? n Proverbs 26:10 (NKJV) 10 The great God who formed everything Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages.

86. What will be the end of a fool? n Stay away from those who prove to be fools! (Prov 23:9; 13:19-20)

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

88. What will be the end of a fool? n Proverbs 13:19-20 (NKJV) – 19 A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. 20He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.