Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In Ephesians 5:15–16, Paul delivers a sobering warning to believers: look carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. But what does it actually mean to live as “unwise” (a fool) according to Scripture?
In this study, we examine what the Bible says about foolishness and uncover four key features that mark the life of a fool. If you’re convinced you don’t have any foolishness within you, take heed, as that is typically the first sign of foolishness; so let this message help you honestly evaluate whether you're walking in biblical wisdom or drifting into patterns of foolishness without realizing it. Ultimately, this message is a call to walk circumspectly and examine your life to pursue the intentional life God calls every believer to live.
Download the "Characteristics of a Fool" PDF mentioned in the message: ellerslie.com/gospel-shaped
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» Listen to this Daily Thunder series, discover other series and resources, and learn more about the ministry of Ellerslie at: ellerslie.com/daily
» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: ellerslie.com/be-discipled
» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty” PDF by going to: ellerslie.com/subscribe
» If you have been blessed by Ellerslie, consider partnering with the ministry by donating at: ellerslie.com/donate
» Discover more Christ-centered teaching and resources from Nathan Johnson that will help you grow spiritually by checking out his website at: deeperchristian.com or his YouTube channel: youtube.com/@DeeperChristian
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CHAPTERS • TIME STAMPS
0:00 Introduction
2:36 Walk carefully
9:44 Don't walk as the unwise (foolish)
13:45 Characteristics of the fool in Scripture
17:10 How do I know if I'm a fool?
18:46 Fools live with a carelessness toward God and sin
22:00 Fools live for themselves (self-focused)
23:50 Fools hate correction and discipline
25:50 Fools don't listen or obey truth
In Ephesians 5:15–16, Paul delivers a sobering warning to believers: look carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. But what does it actually mean to live as “unwise” (a fool) according to Scripture?
In this study, we examine what the Bible says about foolishness and uncover four key features that mark the life of a fool. If you’re convinced you don’t have any foolishness within you, take heed, as that is typically the first sign of foolishness; so let this message help you honestly evaluate whether you're walking in biblical wisdom or drifting into patterns of foolishness without realizing it. Ultimately, this message is a call to walk circumspectly and examine your life to pursue the intentional life God calls every believer to live.
Download the "Characteristics of a Fool" PDF mentioned in the message: ellerslie.com/gospel-shaped
------------
» Listen to this Daily Thunder series, discover other series and resources, and learn more about the ministry of Ellerslie at: ellerslie.com/daily
» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: ellerslie.com/be-discipled
» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty” PDF by going to: ellerslie.com/subscribe
» If you have been blessed by Ellerslie, consider partnering with the ministry by donating at: ellerslie.com/donate
» Discover more Christ-centered teaching and resources from Nathan Johnson that will help you grow spiritually by checking out his website at: deeperchristian.com or his YouTube channel: youtube.com/@DeeperChristian
------------
CHAPTERS • TIME STAMPS
0:00 Introduction
2:36 Walk carefully
9:44 Don't walk as the unwise (foolish)
13:45 Characteristics of the fool in Scripture
17:10 How do I know if I'm a fool?
18:46 Fools live with a carelessness toward God and sin
22:00 Fools live for themselves (self-focused)
23:50 Fools hate correction and discipline
25:50 Fools don't listen or obey truth
