Wisdom vs foolishness: Neither can a mind made timid by foolish plans withstand any kind of fear. Ben Sira 22:18

Wisdom has a nature and a sense of being as it is, and this is what the wise Ben Sira discussed in his book. And as the philosopher Aristotle teaches, to understand something, it is sometimes necessary to first understand its opposite. And while for many people lacking intelligence foolishness is something logical, foolishness can be understood in its true sense if its opposite, wisdom, is also known.
For those lacking intelligence, there is nothing more beautiful than "pretty lies" because it allows them to avoid the real problems that are there, but cannot be verbalized or addressed. The vast majority of self-help books, with their superficial teachings, are written and intended for this type of person, but a truly intelligent person cannot accept this. Wisdom has its weight; it demands prolonged reflection, determination in its search, and often having to accept its truths with some kind of sadness. Wisdom never comes for free, and in most cases requires personal experience, which is costly; that's why intelligent people acquire her progressively and with the proper time. And wisdom has its rewards, because those who possess it gain determination. In sensible people, wisdom is a conviction. This is why Ben Sira taught with intelligence: "A mind firmly resolved after due reflection will not be shaken in a moment of crisis" Ben Sira 22:16.
And the opposite happens with fools; a fool in a problematic situation will hardly remain firm and constant, and so for this reason, the master Ben Sira also taught: "Fences lying on a high place will not stand firm against the wind. Neither can a mind made timid by foolish plans withstand any kind of fear" Ben Sira 22:18. One can then understand fools if one first understands who the wise and sensible men are. And vice versa
An example of this truth can be seen in the Book of Maccabees. Antiochus IV Epiphanes, one of Alexander's successors, was a man who loved riches and was led astray by foolish ideas, and had no better idea than to oppress those who practiced the law of Moses. The Jews rebelled against oppression, and even in a disadvantageous situation, with the determination that wisdom bestows, they successfully established an independent state.
Inconstancy, lack of firmness, and the rapid mood swings between euphoria, sadness, and fear are what most distinguish foolishness, but this can be seen more clearly if one understands the firmness and stability that wisdom provides. To understand foolishness, there is nothing better than its opposite.

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