Proverbs 18:2&3
A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind. When the wicked man comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes scorn. NASB
Two types of people who have broken off from sound wisdom are described in these verses, the fool and the wicked.
There are several words translated “fool” in the book of Proverbs. This word means to be fat with foolishness or folly and is known as a silly fool. Mind, in verse 2, means “heart” a footnote tells us in the NASB. What a fool believes will be revealed by what they say and do as we read in verses 6&7. Not only will his foolishness cause him harm but can also bring harm to those who listen to him. The fool can be naïve or ignorant but we need to be careful that we are not deceived by the fool’s foolishness.
The words and actions of the wicked can do a lot of damage if one listens to them. Intent and motive come into play here. If we are to keep from being harmed by foolishness or wickedness we would be wise to apply verses 4&5 to what we are hearing. Seek sound wisdom and discard the rest.