Foolishness

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"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. 
 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes."  

(Proverbs 26:4-5)


I once asked my mentor, Pastor Bernie Wethington, about these two verses because of what was clearly to me a contradiction in their message. He simply responded that there is nothing you can do with a fool. 

Sometimes the wisest thing is not complex but just a simple reflection of truth. Humanly speaking there is nothing to be done with the foolish. Whatever might be tried to help them to let go of their foolish thinking will not work. Humanly speaking that is.

However, the Lord is more than able to change the heart and mind of a fool. Truth be told, we are all fools until our eyes are opened to the light and the glory of the gospel of Christ -- something that only God can do. So let us not respond with pride to the fools in this world. Let us not attempt to correct their ways with our wisdom. Let us in faith bring them before our Father and our God in prayer. He knows what to do. He can make even the most foolish heart wise. 

Our Father in heaven, teach us to be wise in you. Help us in all of our ways to learn your ways. Rid us of foolishness and give us faith and wisdom. In Christ's name, Amen. 

Devoted to keeping Jesus Christ the main thing.

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