Folly

FOL'LY, Gen 34:7, FOOL, Prov 15:5. These terms are used by the sacred writers sometimes to denote weakness of understanding, Ps 14:1; 1 Cor 1:27; 1 Cor 4:10 and sometimes sin or wickedness. Ps 38:5; Josh 7:15. The transgression and disobedience of Adam were the height of folly, as is the sin of humanity generally. Foolish talking, jesting, foolish and unlearned questions, etc., 2 Tim 2:23, are such as are vain, frivolous, or have no useful tendency. The phrase "Thou fool," Matt 5:22, implies not only an angry temper, but probably also impiety and wickedness, in allusion to Ps 14:1, where the atheist is called a fool.

FOL'LY, Gen 34:7, FOOL, Prov 15:5. These terms are used by the sacred writers sometimes to denote weakness of understanding, Ps 14:1; 1 Cor 1:27; 1 Cor 4:10 and sometimes sin or wickedness. Ps 38:5; Josh 7:15. The transgression and disobedience of Adam were the height of folly, as is the sin of humanity generally. Foolish talking, jesting, foolish and unlearned questions, etc., 2 Tim 2:23, are such as are vain, frivolous, or have no useful tendency. The phrase "Thou fool," Matt 5:22, implies not only an angry temper, but probably also impiety and wickedness, in allusion to Ps 14:1, where the atheist is called a fool.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The state of being foolish; want of good sense; levity, weakness, or derangement of mind.

2. A foolish act; an inconsiderate or thoughtless procedure; weak or light-minded conduct; foolery. What folly 'tis to hazard life for ill. Shak.

3. Scandalous crime; sin; specifically, as applied to a woman, wantonness. [Achan] wrought folly in Israel. Josh. vii. 15. When lovely woman stoops to folly. Goldsmith.

4. The result of a foolish action or enterprise. It is called this man's or that man's "folly," and name of the foolish builder is thus kept alive for long after years. Trench.