The lips of a fool enter into an argument and his mouth invites a beating. Proverbs 18:6, TLV
Do You Love a “Good Fight?” Are there people in your life who “love a good fight?” They actually enjoy the excitement of a verbal battle or the opportunity to prove they are right. They enter the argument not with the intent of coming to a consensus or finding a middle ground to move forward, but to carry the banner of truth, justice, and their way.
Today’s chapter includes several warnings about fools and their loose tongues.
The venue for these types of foolish arguments have expanded to groups of hundreds — sometimes thousands. We’re not just limited to one-on-one encounters with foolish souls, now they can leave their hurtful comments in ranting posts of ignorance and hatred for thousands to see.
How do we handle these folks? The same way we do in person — walk away, ignore, don’t engage—in other words, use the delete button.
I have a few people that don’t always agree with my blogs and posts. And from time to time they post, respectfully, why they disagree with my opinion. As uncomfortable as that may be, I’m okay with that. And sometimes even appreciate their insights.
However, when someone is disrespectful to me or others who
post, I delete the comments. Unfortunately, I’ve had to “unfriend” a few of these folks. I used to try to reason with them, but reasoning was not their goal.
Still, when someone speaks disrespectfully to me in person, I can’t just delete their hurtful remarks. I’m not always able to respond in the way that I hope is Godly. Often, I’m surprised by the comment — especially if it’s someone I know — and it takes me a moment to register.
It’s Okay to be Silent
For the most part, I choose not to respond. Not necessarily because I’m a patient person with self-control. It’s mostly because I don’t know what to say. Maybe that’s a wise thing to do.
Think More About It
How do you handle someone who instigates — or tries to instigate — an argument? I’d love to get your experiences. How have you learned to wisely respond — or not respond — to a foolish arguer.
Until tomorrow, may we learn how to respond in a Godly fashion to a fool and what comes from their mouth, my friends.
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels but have not love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1, TLV
With all the hateful and fearful rhetoric coming from leaders, it is difficult to not respond in kind. As we pray today, let’s pray for wisdom for Israel and the Jewish people—and for those of us who support them—that we may all respond with truth, boldness, and love. God bless you!
