A Fool

"The fool has said in his heart, there is no God.  They are corrupt, they have done abominable (vile) works, there is none that does good." (Ps. 14:1)  We have been counseled by Jesus Christ not to call someone a fool.  So I do not call anyone by that name. (Matt: 5:22)  This does not mean that fools are not around us.  We deal with them.  They have a tendency to criticize, gripe, and condemn.  Is being a fool a choice?  Yes.  Can they stop being fools?  Yes.  But I also think that it can be difficult for some fools to change.  They can start by believing in God.  They need to be taught.  They need to be willing to learn.  In the Hebrew tongue, a "fool" is someone who is morally deficient or devoid of morality.  Apparently the "vile works" are too overpowering and desirable, and the unwillingness to give them up is far too great.  One last thing:  Is it possible to be a fool, and still believe in God?  I have two answers to that question.  They are related.  In the movie entitled "Forrest Gump," the main character said: "Stupid is as stupid does."  Jesus said something similar, but did not sound as cruel.  "You shall know them by their fruits."  Also, there is a difference between believing that there is a God, believing in God, and being a child of God.