What is a Fool?

What does the writer in Ecclesiastes mean when he uses the word fool or folly?  The word is not used as we would use it today.  It certainly does not mean stupid or lacking intelligence. The understanding of the word is best seen in contrast with its opposite: wisdom.  In Hebrew literature a wise person was someone who carefully observed life and practice with God's perspective.  Wisdom was rooted in God and given to those who first feared him.  Folly then would be a way of life that is not rooted in God and is expressed by those who do not honor and respect the Lord.  The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia words it this way:

     "The fool was he who was thoughtless, careless, conceited, self-sufficient, indifferent to God and His Will, or who might even oppose and scoff at religion and wise instruction." [1]  To the author's of Hebrew wisdom literature this was a fool.  This is not just an Old Testament concept.  Notice Ephesians 5:15–17 (ESV),

¹⁵ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

There is a way of living described by the words "wise" and "wisdom".  We also note that the words are qualified by the Apostle by phrases such as "making the most of your time" and "understanding what the will of the Lord is."   

Elsewhere Paul makes this same indictment.  In Romans 1:21–22 (ESV), he wrote:

²¹ For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Claiming to be wise, they became fools.

Acknowledge God in your life, honor Him, be thankful for Him; and seek to live by the power of the Holy Spirit under His gaze and for His glory.  To do otherwise is foolish.

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[1] http://www.biblestudytools.com/encyclopedias/isbe/fool-folly.html