Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.
Proverbs 29:9 (NIV)
If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
Proverbs 29:9 (MSG)
A sage trying to work things out with a fool gets only scorn and sarcasm for his trouble.
******************************************************
“If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish and arrogant man, the foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement).” -AMPLIFIED
“Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.”
~Mark Twain
Arguing is often looked upon poorly. In fact, disagreeing with one another can be a good thing if it causes us to rethink our beliefs and gain a firmer grasp of why we believe the way we do. Debating can be a positive if we keep our feelings and tempers in check. We need to be willing to hear what others have to say and to change our way of thinking if we find that we are wrong. Remember this though, the Bible is our standard. If someone argues against what the Bible teaches than stick to the Truth found within its pages.
“Arguing with a fool proves there are two.” ~Doris M. Smith
“When the wise go to court against a fool, there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.” -(VOICE)
Solomon, in today’s proverb, points out the folly of arguing with the fool. He advises us not to waste our time doing so; for you will never change the mind or opinion of the fool. The only thing that will happen is that you will get angry and may lose your cool. Walk away and do not waste your energy.
“There’s no use arguing with a fool. He only rages and scoffs, and tempers flare.” -(TLB)
If we look back into the book of Proverbs we will find Solomon cautioning us about NOT arguing with the fool. He warns us:
“Do not answer [nor pretend to agree with the frivolous comments of] a [closed-minded] fool according to his folly, otherwise you, even you, will be like him.” -Proverbs 26:4 (AMP)
Solomon also tells us why it is pointless to argue with the fool:
* “The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.” -Proverbs 1:7 (AMP)
* “A fool’s lips bring contention and strife, and his mouth invites a beating.” -Proverbs 18:6 (AMP)
* “The tongue of the wise speaks knowledge that is pleasing and acceptable, but the [babbling] mouth of fools spouts folly.” -Proverbs 15:2 (AMP)
* “Do not speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the [godly] wisdom of your words.” -Proverbs 23:9 (AMP)
“Be calm in arguing, for fierceness makes
Error a fault, and truth discourtesy;
Why should I feel another man’s mistakes
More than his sickness or his poverty?
In love I should; but anger is not love,
Nor wisdom neither; therefore gently move.”
~George Herbert
The Apostle Paul warned Timothy against arguing and disputing over foolish particulars. In his letter to Timothy we find this admonition:
“Remind others about these things that I’m telling you. Warn them before God to stop their useless bickering over words. After all, splitting hairs does no good; it only ruins those forced to listen to their meritless arguments.” -2 Timothy 2:14 (VOICE)
Further along in the chapter we find Paul advising Timothy in this way:
“Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.” -2 Timothy 2:23-26 (MSG)
“Conflict cannot survive without your participation.” ~Wayne Dyer
James advises us that if we are trying to learn to be wise, than we need to jealousy, selfish ambition and arrogance. He wrote:
“Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and [as a result] be in defiance of the truth. This [superficial] wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice.” -James 3:13-16 (AMP)
The Message Version conveys it in this way:
“Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.” -James 3:13-16 (MSG)
“Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” ~Mark Twain
My friend, do not waste your energy or time arguing with someone who is unwilling to hear what you have to say and/or unwilling to change if they are proven wrong. You know this type of person; we all do. Instead of stooping to their level to argue, let your light shine before them; so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.” ~Jesus (Matthew 5:16 AMP)
My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I ask that you give me wisdom, please. Remind me not to waste my time and energy arguing with the fool over pointless details. Give me insight to recognize those who I can help and influence for you and bring you glory. Remind me daily that my life is to be a living testament to you; that I need to let my life shine bright always. Thank you, Lord, for you faithfulness in helping me.
Growing with God 