Strong's Number: H3684
Original Word: kesîl
Usage Notes: "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 kesîl is "insolent" in religion and "stupid or dull" in wise living (living out a religion he professes). In Psa 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 (Psa 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.
Usage Number: 2
Strong's Number: H3689
Original Word: kesel
Usage Notes: 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" in appears in Job 31:24: "If I have made gold my hope…."
