Scripture – “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.”
Proverbs 26:4-5 NIV
Observation – These verses seem to contradict one another. What God is teaching us is there are times to answer a fool and other times, as Jesus says, ““Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
Matthew 7:6 NIV. Sometimes people may be genuinely curious and willing to have a cordial discussion and use reason in their conversation to consider what you are saying. Other times their only goal is to win an argument or humiliate you.
Application – Use discernment and rely on the Holy Spirit to determine the heart of the person. If you answer the first type of fool you will be like him yourself because you will be so angry and frustrated you will resort to name calling and your heart will entertain evil thoughts. Remember what Jesus says, ““No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.””
John 6:44, 65 NIV You are a faithful servant sowing seed among the lost. It is God who draws people to himself. You have not been called to shoulder this responsibility.
Prayer – Lord Jesus, give me wisdom to know when you want me to speak and when you want me to stay silent. I pray that you draw people to yourself and give them humble hearts. Amen.
What are you doing? Do it better 