Don’t argue with fools
Do not answer a fool according to his foolishness, or you will also be like him. Answer a fool according to his foolishness, and he will be wise in his own eyes. Proverbs 26:4&5
Have you ever had an argument with someone that was irrational and even foolish? Sometimes the argument can be so far out there that you think, “Surely I can help them understand”. Yet somehow, they just won’t get it. I have had this type of “talk”. I was always thinking that I could help the foolish find their way to some kind of rational thought process. It turns out that foolish and irrational people really don’t want to know. They just want to go the way of foolishness and take others with them.
Today’s verse is about that person and you, if you have ever pursued that conversation. It says if you answer or talk to a fool to try to reason with them, you are just as foolish as they are. Not only that, but when you do answer them, they think they are wise because you engaged in their foolishness with them. So, on both sides, no good comes and there is no change of heart.
The entire chapter gives wisdom for dealing with the foolish at heart. The first step is don’t argue or even try to reason with a foolish person. It’s sad really, because even though you truly have it in your heart to help them and lead them to the truth of God’s love and ways, they only want to be the one that has all the answers. In reality, the Holy Spirit is the only one that can reach a foolish heart. The answer? Pray for them. Ask God to open their eyes to the truth and their heart to be prepared to receive it. Pray for others to come into their lives that they will listen to. It’s hard to watch especially if it is someone close to you that you love. However, God is faithful and when we purpose to keep them before the LORD in prayer, He will answer. It is His will for all to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4), so you can be confident that He will answer that pray because it is according to His will!
Today I want to encourage you to pray for those who are close to you that you see going in a foolish direction. Ask the LORD to protect them and keep them safe and for just the right person to come along that will help them receive the truth of His unconditional love. Then ask the Holy Spirit to work on their heart and get it prepared for that meeting to come. God will help a fool as we give Him access into the situation through prayer. Don’t argue with a fool, take that foolish loved one right before God and know that God will get wisdom through.
Today’s scripture reading: Proverbs 26
The Daily Dose 