Stupid Fellow
Stupid Fellow [1]
Kesı̂yl (כְּסִיל, Strong'S #3684), “stupid fellow; dull person; fool.” This word occurs in the Old Testament 70 times. All of its occurrences are in wisdom literature except 3 in the Psalms.
The kesı̂yl is “insolent” in religion and “stupid or dull” in wise living (living out a religion he professes). In Ps. 92:6 the first emphasis is especially prominent: “A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.” The psalmist is describing an enemy of God who knew God and His word but, seeing the wicked flourishing, reasoned that they have the right life-style (Ps. 92:7). They have knowledge of God but do not properly evaluate or understand what they know. The second emphasis is especially prominent in wisdom contexts: “How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?” (Prov. 1:22). In such contexts the person so described rejects the claims and teachings of wisdom. However, in the Bible wisdom is the practical outworking of one’s religion. Therefore, even in these contexts there is a clear connotation of insolence in religion.
Kesı̂yl means “stupidity; imperturbability; confidence.” This noun occurs 6 times. It means “stupidity” in Eccl. 7:25 and “confidence” in Prov. 3:26. The meaning of “confidence” also appears in Job 31:24: “If I have made gold my hope .…”
