Foolish Arguments

READY

"Don't answer a fool according to his foolishness or you'll be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his foolishness or he'll become wise in his own eyes." - 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?

The Bible warns us not to go along with those who answer but don't share our faith with those who are 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 better knowledge of what you believe and why?

WORKOUT

OVERTIME