Speaking to Fools

Scripture:
Do not speak to fools,
    for they will scorn your prudent words.
Proverbs 23:9

Observation: This is SO packed with meaning, especially after understanding the double meaning of the word "fool" throughout Proverbs. It contains its basic meaning - a foolish person - but also implicit meaning ... a non-believer or someone opposed to God's teachings.

Application: This applies to me in almost ever moment of every day ...

June is "Pride Month" and as a government employee, I am inundated every day about information for the month on how to support the LGBT community. And I am saying nothing ... entering a discussion on the subject of proactively supporting this cause would preclude me from EVER speaking positively about Jesus to another person.

We are in the midst of the most famous gender reassignment case in history. I must not engage in any conversation about that. Anything I say would sound like judgment, and I see no way the church can ever reach anyone with a message of love when we are perceived as judgmental and therefore full of hate.

Today, a lower level manager refused to obey instructions from me, despite the fact I am both right and supported by the entire senior management team. I stopped the conversation and will wait for him to receive better 'guidance', as every road forward is now full of anger and conflict, and if I proceed I will be viewed as a bully by others.

In all cases, we must never condone or support sin. However, we must heed that the word Solomon used wasn't "wrong" but "fool". Fool implies ignorance - lack of knowledge and understanding. An evil person is to be opposed ... a fool is to be nurtured and educated with kindness and love. In many cases, the fewer words, the better, for words create anger and conflict.

I will hold my tongue, educate when I can, and love following the example of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, may all those around me begin to see - and hear - more of you, and less of me. Amen.