Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
(Proverbs 26:4-5)
There is a time to speak and time to be silent. In these verses we see there is an appropriate time to answer a fool pointing out the error of his way. But there is also a time to withhold our words of wisdom because they will not be received well or not received at all by the fool. But how do we know when to speak and when to hold our silence? Thankfully, we have the book of Proverbs to meditate on. There is an overarching theme in Proverbs that we should be quick to listen and slow to speak. We also see that a fool speaks all of his mind but a wise man holds it all until later.
Yes, we are sent into the world to speak truth into others lives. We see a great biblical model for this in the fourth chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians. But this does not mean we need to confront every issue, offense, point of doctrine, or disagreement along the way. The point is to build up (edify) and strengthen the body in love by speaking the truth in love. God will give us an opportunity to speak in season, but can you recognize that appropriate time? This is why it is so important to mediate continually on God's word. Through it and in it we will attain the counsels of wisdom and understanding.
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. (Matthew 7:6)
In Christ,
Jay
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