Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions.
Proverbs 18:2 ESV
The most important thing about talking with fools is to make sure I’m not the fool. For example, how does Proverbs 18:2 above apply to me? Am I listening to understand, or am I just waiting for my turn to talk? More such tests in this post: The Fool Self-Test
Paul writes we should always be ready to use our words for good.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Colossians 4:5-6 ESV
But with some people – fools – it is often best to say nothing at all. The conversation will not be profitable.
Leave the presence of a fool,
for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
Proverbs 14:7 ESV
Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
for he will despise the good sense of your words.
Proverbs 23:9 ESV
If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
Proverbs 29:9 ESV
Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions.
Proverbs 18:2 ESV
If you do have a conversation with a fool, Proverbs 26 has guidance what to say.
4 Answer not a fool according to his folly,
lest you be like him yourself.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Proverbs 26:4-5 ESV
Dr. Jason Lisle of the Biblical Science Institute helped me understand this passage.
Here is the passage with his understanding in parenthesis.
4 Answer not a fool according to his folly,
lest you be like him yourself.
(Do not accept the fool’s error!)
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
lest he be wise in his own eyes.
(Give the fool the truth!)
Proverbs 26:4-5 ESV (With comments)
Example:
“How do you know the earth is billions of years old? Were you there?” (Verse 4 – Don’t accept the error.)
“The Bible says that God created the earth and everything for it in six days about 6,000 years ago.” (Verse 5 – Give the truth.)
Dr. Jason Lisle
Sometimes it is hard to say nothing when fools are talking their foolishness. But I have learned that sometimes just saying nothing and walking away should have been what I did. 😮 😉
The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
Proverbs 17:14 ESV
Jesus is coming very, very soon. Be ready!
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 NKJV
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”
Matthew 24:32-35 NKJV
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 21:34-36 NKJV
Has the rapture happened? You can still be saved and go to heaven! --- Are you following God's plan for your life? You should. Your plan is not going to work. It is a really, really bad plan. Please come to Jesus to escape your plan! Most people are WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! Jesus is coming. Are you ready to meet Him? Give your life to Jesus Christ. Time is running out.
Repost of Talking with Fools
Lift Up Your Eyes! 