When do you answer a fool?

When do you answer a fool?

Proverbs are not just found in the bible. There are proverbs in every culture around the world. Proverbs are not definitive statements but general truths.

God intentionally put dialectic proverbs in the bible. Truths that exist together in a complicated world. For example Proverbs 26:4-5

So when do you answer a fool? Proverbs 9:8 — answer them when you think they will listen! If a person will not listen to you then don't waste your time.

Matthew 7:6

Answer a fool when someone else might listen!

John 8:1-8

Jesus answered publicly so that the crowd would listen. His comments were meant for them rather than the foolish Pharisees. Jesus was protecting the crowd from sin.

Answer a fool when you can handle answering it.

Proverbs 11:2

Answering with pride in your heart is foolish in itself.

Proverbs 25:28

If you cannot handle an argument with self control you should not be in it!

Answer a fool only when it glorifies God!

Judges 6:30-31

God is fully capable of protecting and defending himself. There are times when we are called to stand up for God but in most cases we react not because we are glorifying God but because of injustice that was done to us. Our motives are selfish.

Proverbs 19:11

What would relationship look like if was considered glory to overlook an offense!

Matthew 26:62-63

Jesus was confronted with foolishness and injustice at the highest order and he stayed silent the entire time! He did not respond because he knew arguing with them would distract from Gods plan.

1 Peter 2:23-24

True justice comes from God and his judgement not from our reading and discerning from scripture! Jesus learned to let go and allow God!




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