### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĕvîyl**, represented by `{{H191}}`, describes a person who is silly or a **fool**. It appears **26 times** across **26 unique verses**, primarily in wisdom literature. The term signifies a foolishness derived from a perverse nature, one that actively rejects sound guidance and moral instruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H191}}` consistently characterizes an individual who is morally and intellectually defiant. A **fool** despises the very foundation of understanding, which is the fear of the LORD [[Proverbs 1:7]]. This defiance leads to a state of self-deception, where "the way of a **fool** is right in his own eyes" [[Proverbs 12:15]]. This foolishness is not passive ignorance; it is an active choice that results in destructive consequences, as fools are afflicted "because of their transgression" [[Psalms 107:17]] and ultimately "die for want of wisdom" [[Proverbs 10:21]]. Even the prophet of Israel can be called a **fool** when the people's iniquity is great [[Hosea 9:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the nature and contrast of the **fool**:
* `{{H200}}` **ʼivveleth** (silliness; folly, foolishly(-ness)): This is the state of **foolishness** that is intrinsically linked to the fool `{{H191}}`. This characteristic is so deeply ingrained that it will not depart from him, even if he is brayed in a mortar [[Proverbs 27:22]].
* `{{H2451}}` **chokmâh** (wisdom (in a good sense); skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit): This is what the **fool** `{{H191}}` despises [[Proverbs 1:7]]. While the instruction of fools is folly, understanding is a source of life [[Proverbs 16:22]].
* `{{H4148}}` **mûwçâr** (properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint): The **fool** `{{H191}}` rejects this essential element of growth, despising his father's **instruction** [[Proverbs 15:5]] and the correction that leads to life [[Proverbs 7:22]].
* `{{H3708}}` **kaʻaç** (vexation; anger, angry, grief, indignation, provocation, provoking, [idiom] sore, sorrow, spite, wrath): The **fool's** `{{H191}}` **wrath** is quickly known [[Proverbs 12:16]] and is heavier than stone or sand [[Proverbs 27:3]], ultimately leading to his own death [[Job 5:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H191}}` serves as a stark warning against rejecting divine order.
* **Rejection of Divine and Paternal Authority:** The **fool** is fundamentally characterized by his contempt for guidance. He "despiseth his father's instruction" [[Proverbs 15:5]] and ultimately despises the wisdom that begins with the "fear of the LORD" [[Proverbs 1:7]].
* **Moral Perversity:** The foolishness of `{{H191}}` is not a simple lack of intellect but a moral choice. **Fools** "make a mock at sin" [[Proverbs 14:9]], and their defining trait is that they are "wise to do evil" but have no knowledge of how to do good [[Jeremiah 4:22]].
* **Inevitable Self-Destruction:** The path of the **fool** leads directly to ruin. His mouth is "near destruction" [[Proverbs 10:14]], his wrath is a crushing weight [[Proverbs 27:3]], and he ultimately falls [[Proverbs 10:8]]. This is not an accident, but the direct result of being void of wisdom [[Proverbs 10:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H191}}` defines a specific type of **foolish man** whose condition is not one of mere ignorance but of willful perversity. He actively despises wisdom, mocks sin, and rejects instruction from both his earthly father and his Heavenly Father. The repeated use of this term, especially in Proverbs, paints a clear picture of the two paths: the way of the wise, which leads to life, and the way of the **fool**, which leads to affliction, destruction, and death.
TRV