1 APRIL

STOP THE ARGUMENT

“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.”
(Proverbs 26:4–5, KJV)

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven… a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”(Ecclesiastes 3:1,7, KJV)

These two verses are complementary, even though they seem to be contradictory.

Let us briefly consider the first part today: “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” Responding to a fool may bring one down to his level, especially when it is about certain questions and issues relating to doctrines, or statements that will not bring about meaningful understanding but will only provoke endless and sometimes abusive arguments.

Have you ever had to argue about some doctrines, for example: “Should Christians drink alcohol?” Wisdom from God and knowledge through learning will provide the answer. Jesus used this wisdom when the chief priests and elders asked him by whose authority He was doing certain things (Matthew 21: 23–27). Jesus knew their question was intended to trap him, so He threw a question back at them which ended the session.

When God asked Solomon to make a request, he asked for wisdom. God is asking us today and every day to make requests from Him that our joy may be full. Luke 2:52 tells us that “Jesus increased in wisdom”. Will you ask for wisdom? I will ask for wisdom and that I may know when to keep silent, when to speak and what to say!

In the words of Plato, “Wise men talk because they have something to say. Fools talk because they have to say something.”

ACTION: Be a wise Christian–know when speak and when not to.

PRAYER: Our Father God, please grant us wisdom to know when to keep silent to stop the argument.