Words that Heal

Because vs. 5 says to answer a fool according to his foolishness or he will think he is wise.

In other words, we must answer a fool to expose his foolishness,

Even if he does not listen.

So, in the case of vs. 5, an answer is demanded so that we can expose the foolishness of the fool.

In these situations wisdom warns us not to be passive,

Not to remain quiet.

Because a fool who thinks he is wise is destructive.

It is deadly to let a person think he is wise when he is not.

Proverbs warns those who think they are wise repeatedly about their impending judgment.

Think about a child who just wants to run around a busy parking lot.

Letting them do so with no correction is foolish and dangerous.

You must say something.

In the same way, we live in a world surrounded by people who sin just like us,

And that sin is destructive.

God has given us one another to lovingly speak up.

For some, it will do well because they will listen.

Perhaps, they will immediately recognize and receive correction,

But more likely, they will be upset initially.

However, after taking time to process,

They will come to recognize and receive that correction.

There are also times when a fool is not only a danger to themselves,

But they are also a danger to others.

This is another reason vs. 5 tells us not to be silent.

Because a fool who goes unchecked can lead others into foolishness.

So, if others are hearing the words of a fool,

And we tolerate their foolishness by saying nothing,

Then everyone who is listening to the fool has no other choice but to assume they are speaking truth.

So, vs. 5 tells us to lovingly correct,

To reveal their foolishness if it will do them or others good.

But vs. 4 tells us to do it without being foolish in response.

Proverbs is telling us that if we are passive in response to foolishness,

It will appear as if we are approving their foolishness.

Now, vs. 5 is not telling us to just give someone a piece of our minds.

Nor is it justifying being a jerk because we are just telling it like it is.

There is a big difference between speaking truth and being unkind.

Vs. 5 shows that the motivation to speak truth is for the good of that person.

It is saying if we are passive when someone else is being foolish,

They will assume they are being wise while they are headed for destruction.

So, Proverbs says speak up!

When your kids want to spend their money foolishly,

When your friend at school is being lazy,

When your friend at work is complaining about their spouse,

Speak up.

You will regret not speaking up when they hurt themselves or others.

If we are too cowardly to confront when needed,

It could be because we idolize the approval of others.

And He always knew exactly when correction was needed.

For example, the Pharisees challenged Jesus in Matt. 15 in front of a crowd,

So, Jesus responded by revealing their own hypocrisy that way the crowd would know the Pharisees were not wise.

Then in Matt. 16, Peter rebuked Jesus for going to the cross.

And Jesus corrected Him by saying, “Get behind me, Satan!”