Proverbs 26:4–5: Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Insight
I received a letter from a brilliant man who had some impressions about me that were entirely wrong. I thought I should try to correct him and tell him the truth, so I responded according to verse 5. I answered his letter. Then I received a letter back from him, and I have never seen such a foolish letter. It made me feel like a fool for having written to him in the first place. I do not intend to answer his second letter. I am using verse 4 for my decision. There are two lines of conduct set before us, and we need to determine whether we should respond or should not respond. 1
Application
Notice how Peter help us to understand the best way to respond to others in 1 Peter 3:8–10:
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.
What are the three ways that we should respond, and what are the two things we should avoid doing? Will you try putting that in practice today?
Motivation
The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts. Proverbs 17:14
To say nothing may frustrate someone, but it may also eliminate much grief. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, teach more about how Jesus did not retaliate when He was wrongfully treated.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
