There are a lot of misconceptions around kings and monarchs, and around a particular member, ‘The Court Jester.’

This oftentimes maligned figure of fun and wit, is often portrayed as somebody we laughed at, rather than laughed with; the clowns of the past in their silly, bell-adorned costumes.

In fact, they were often highly intelligent, and insightful entertainers.

Today, the concept of The Court Jester often brings up images of somebody who would humiliate themselves for the enjoyment of others.

They are portrayed as someone whose foolishness we could take advantage of, have cruel laughs at.

Being a Court Jester in medieval and Renaissance Europe was a unique role that combined entertainment, satire, and social commentary.

Here are some interesting attributes of those who performed Role and Duties:

1. Entertainment: Jesters were primarily entertainers, using humor, music, acrobatics, and storytelling to amuse the court.
   They often performed in front of kings, queens, and nobility during feasts and gatherings.
2. Social Commentary: Jesters had a unique position that allowed them to speak truths that others could not.
   They often used satire to comment on political and social issues, poking fun at the powerful while maintaining a guise of foolishness.
3. Costumes and Props: Jesters typically wore colorful, eccentric clothing, often with a cap that had bells (the “fool’s cap”).
   Their costumes were designed to be humorous and eye-catching.
4. Intelligence and Wit: Contrary to the stereotype of being simple-minded, many jesters were highly intelligent and skilled in wordplay, improvisation, and performance.
   They needed quick thinking to engage with their audience effectively.

The Bible has much to say about fools.

The word fool today usually means “a senseless fellow, a dullard.”

The biblical definition has the added dimension of “someone who disregards God’s Word.”

The Bible lists many characteristics of such a person, often contrasting him with one who is wise.

Ecclesiastes 10 says,

“The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.” Ecclesiastes 10:2

This has nothing to do with inclining to the right politically, as some wrongly have assumed. In this case, it is referring to “what is right, as opposed to what most would consider as wrong.

A fool is one whose wayward heart turns continually toward foolishness.

“Fools speak foolishness and make evil plans,” Isaiah 32:6.

Proverbs 26 says,

“As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” Proverbs 26:11.

Fools do not learn their lessons from the mistakes they make.

They continue doing the same foolish things over and over again, to their own destruction (Proverbs 18:7).

And yet, The Bible also gives reference to being “a fool for Christ”!

“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,” 1 Corinthians 1:26-28.

Finally, we are told, Wisdom is the principal thing;

“Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7.

We are told that Wisdom will guard us in this life and will protect us in many of the endeavors that we are involved in, in this life.

 

Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson

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Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to The LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?
Stephen is a full-time Artist of original architectural, landscape, portrait, still-life and spiritual oil paintings, available at StephenHansonArtist.com

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