As I read my devotional today, I learn a lot about Character Types. Hereunder are the character types that found in the book of Proverbs. This is what I read today.
Proverbs presents several types of characters: the fool, the wicked, the scorner, the sluggard, the wise and the simple.
The Fool. According to Proverbs, foolish people “hate knowledge” (1:22) perhaps because knowledge introduces conflict, discloses faulty thinking and demands evaluation and compliance. In any event, the fool protests, “Don’t confuse me with the facts, my mind is already made up!” A fool lacks wisdom (10:21), thinks himself always right (12:15), teaches without understanding (16:22), meddles into other people’s affairs and creates quarrels (20:3), and speaks every thought that comes into his mind (29:11). No wonder Proverbs 26:4 and 5 instruct, “Answer not a fool according to his folly {i.e., in the same manner}, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly { i.e., in the same manner }, lest he be wise in his own conceit.”
The wicked. The term wicked in Proverbs refers to the unbeliever. The sacrifices of the wicked are abominations to the Lord (21:27); the Lord is “far from the wicked “ (Proverbs 15:29); and in the end, the wicked “shall be cut off” (2:22). Wicked people devise evil imaginations (6:18), bear the fruit of sin (10:32), live deceitfully (11:18), and ultimately bring destruction on themselves (11;5).
The Scorner. Proverbs also discusses the scorner, or scoffer, who mocks others because of his pride. He enjoys criticizing others (1:22). Although the scorner loves to criticize others, he cannot take criticism himself, and he refuses to accept it (9:8). These verses imply that the scorner gives inappropriate criticism, but can’t take even constructive criticism! I’ve often found that characteristic to be true. On the other hand, individuals I know who are slow to criticize others seem to take criticism extremely well. How we respond to criticism is a matter of our spiritual wisdom and maturity.
Hostility characterizes scorners (Proverbs 15:10-13). They often bottle up their anger and then let it out in the form of inordinate cynicism and caustic criticism. Ironically, the scorner needs correction (19:29). He also cause strife and division (22:10;29:8); and the Bible call him “an abomination to men” (24:7-9).
The Wise. Proverbs focuses on the wise and on moving toward wisdom. The wise person knows the Lord and walks accordingly (1:7). He possesses understanding (16:21) and walks prudently (14:15b). He accepts correction, and therefore, grows in discernment (19:25). His words are accurate, tender and carefully chosen (15:1,2) . He can, therefore, give godly guidance and direction (16:21-24).
The Sluggard. The book of Proverbs also traces the sluggard, or “Mr. Lazybones.” He is the person who suffers from a bad case of “voluntary inertia”! According to God’s Word, he has no care for future needs (6:6-11), is not a self-starter (21:25) and lets little things hinder his work (20:4). He day dreams without doing anything (13:4, does not face challenges (26:13,14) and seldom finishes what he starts (26:15).
The Simple. . The marks of the simple-minded individual are quite different from either the fool or the wicked. Proverbs reveals the simple-minded to be complacent or self-satisfied (1;22). In other words, he lacks motivation to learn. He has no understanding and lacks insight (9:4). As a result, he is easily manipulated and easily deceived in what he thinks (14:15). In addition, because he is so simple-minded, he lacks foresight (22:3).
Gary L. Hauck
From above, how do we view our character according to the types of character being described above? Do we have something to change and do our best to be better? Are we willing to learn wisdom in life and be wise? The choice starts now and it makes a lot of difference if you choose too.
