Which Is It?

Which Is It?

Football is such an emotional game that periodically players’ tempers explode on the sidelines. These fuming players go off on others and get in their faces. It is interesting to see that at times, those being confronted will just stand there and say nothing, looking past the maniac, onto the field of play. It reminds me of Proverbs 26:4, which says, “Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.”

Then there are other times when the fool must be confronted. This happened to the Cowboys in 2015 when Greg Hardy, the troubled pass rusher, exploded on the special teams unit and their coach after another blown play that caused the Cowboys to fall behind again.

Dez Bryant, an embattled player also known for his own struggles, couldn’t take it anymore and confronted Hardy. The wild scene became fodder for the network analysts later that day and well into the following week.

You see, after a time or two of a fool’s ranting, it is appropriate to stand up to him and put him in his place. That is why I think it is fascinating that the very next verse, Proverbs 26:5, tells us to confront the fool: “Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.”

Which is it? There is a time to let it go and a time to confront. Discerning which it is requires great wisdom. Consider seeking wise counsel from an outside voice before confronting a fool. That person’s lack of proximity to the situation may be exactly what you need.

Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.

Proverbs 26:4