To Answer Or Not To Answer

Do not answer a fool according to his folly,or you will be like him yourself.Answer a fool according to his folly,or he will be wise in his own eyes.

Proverbs 26:4-5 (NIV)

Okay. So which is it? Should we or shouldn’t we get involved in discussions with foolish people? Well, the answer is sometimes yes and sometimes no.

First, don’t answer a fool in such a manner that you get pulled into their whirlwind of rudeness or anger. Maybe you have a brother-in-law or a neighbor who has a chip on their shoulder. They thrive on riling people up and bringing them down to their level. First time, shame on them, but second time, shame on us. We need to learn that there are times to be the duck. This means we need to know when to let things just roll off our backs and not engage in their foolishness.

But then there are times when we should answer. For example, your teenager might say something very foolish, like, “Mooomm, why can’t I do such and such? Everyone else is doing it.” Or “Why do I need a curfew? You can trust me.” They do not realize how all the pressures of being young can become dangerous. Just one bad decision at the wrong time can change their entire life. So, moms, listen to them and talk it out. Give them wise, logical, and truthful answers. Stay engaged, and be wise enough to pick your battles. Don’t major on minors, so you can major on majors.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

As we study the Proverbs we learn that wisdom is not a set of pat answers that fit into a rigid framework. Wisdom involves principles that set boundaries like the guardrails on a very tall bridge. Life is similar to the fast flow of traffic crossing the bridge. The guardrails are not to hinder our freedom; they are to keep us from falling over the edge. As we grow to respect and apply the truths of God’s Word, our internal sense of right and good and noble becomes stronger and stronger.

Let’s Pray

Thank you, Lord, that you have not left us to navigate this crazy life on our own. Thank you that your wisdom guides and protects and changes us from the inside out.

One Year Bible Reading

Jeremiah 42:1–44:23; 2 Timothy 2:1-21; Psalm 92:1–93:5; Proverbs 26:3-5