One minute read.
Daily Reading: Jeremiah 42:1-44:23, 2 Timothy 2:1-21, Psalm 92:1-93, Proverbs 26:3-5
Daily Verse: “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” Prov. 26:4
Engage wisely.
Immediately following today’s verse comes a contradiction:
“Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.” Prov. 25:5.
Picking your battles means knowing when to say something and when to stay quiet. When teaching a tennis lesson, I have students who refuse to listen because they think they have the game and their technique figured out. Fools don’t take instruction, and I’ve learned not to waste my breath in these situations.
However, I engage when a student gets too big for his bridges because of folly. Fools think they can’t lose. Putting them against a player that easily defeats them humbles the fool. Answering with words does no good, but responding with action does.
Know when to engage and when to stay quiet. Arguing with fools draws you down to their level. However, sometimes, you must engage with fools to keep them from thinking too highly of themselves. Seeking God’s counsel will help you know the difference.
Lord, forgive us for not seeking Your guidance when engaging with fools. Please help us know when to say something and when to stay silent. Please give us the discernment we need to deal with the fools in our lives. IJNIP. Amen
