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Answer

Bryan Dench

Ready:

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

Set:

Proverbs is a book of the Bible full of wisdom and good advice for our Christian life. Sometimes it says things that are a bit hard to understand, like this passage. It says, “Don’t answer foolish arguments” and then says, “Be sure to answer them.” What’s with that? Well, we hear foolish things said by others who do not share our faith. The Bible warns us not to go along with that or try to answer someone who is only trying to stir up trouble. If a teammate or someone at school tries to dig into you about being a Christian, they may just want to hurt you or put you on the spot, and it might be best to ignore it. Then again, sometimes you may need to answer the foolish argument, gently but with confidence. If someone says, “There’s no God,” you might not rise to the bait, but just ask, “Why do you think that?” If someone says, “God did not create the universe,” ask, “Oh, then why is there something and not nothing?” Friendly questions asked with gentleness and respect can turn the tables on the foolish person and God may use that for everyone’s good. God the Holy Spirit will help you.

Go:

1. Have you ever heard someone say something foolish about God or Jesus?

2. What did you do?

3. How can you know when to answer and when not? How can you have a better knowledge of what you believe and why?

Workout:

• 1 Peter 3:15
• Luke 12:11-12

Overtime:

“Oh, Lord, be with me when foolish people say foolish things. Give me wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent. Send me Your spirit to give me the words to say that will honor You always.”