Wise Talk

June 11, 2010
Proverbs 26 - 28

Prov 26:4-5 Don't answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. 5 Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.

THIS ONE stopped me in my tracks. Is God talking out of both sides of his mouth?

No, of course not. Only a fool would say that! What God is conveying through the wisdom writer is this: When someone speaks to you foolishly, do not engage in the same kind of foolish talk. Instead respond to the foolish talk in a “non-foolish” (wise) way.

For example, someone might tell you how ridiculous your clothes look. Do not respond to that person with your opinion of her “ridiculous clothes” (even if it’s true). It is foolish to respond with foolish talk.

Instead, you would respond wisely to her with words of kindness about her clothes, tell her how nice she looked. In other words, you would elevate the conversation out of criticism into praise. And when you do, the “foolish talker” may come to an understanding that her words are harmful. And hopefully she will change her foolish speech to wisdom.

If she doesn’t, there’s nothing you can do about her. But you can always be wise and control your own speech, your own thoughts and your own actions toward others.

Know God’s wisdom. And speak God’s wisdom. People will come to trust you. And in you they will see a Godly person. And they will come to trust God.