failure to launch

Proverbs Day 285 (KJV):

Proverbs 26:4-5 (KJV):
4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Proverbs 26:4-5 (AMP):
4 Answer not a (self-confident) fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.
5 Answer a (self-confident) fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes and conceit.

These verses from Proverbs tell us how to address a self-confident, conceited person who is acting foolishly. Verse 4 tells us when a person is acting conceited and haughty, that we are not to stoop to their level and act the same way. If we do, then we are no better than they are. Sometimes people will challenge us with an attitude that is not Christian, hoping we will respond in like manner. For example, if someone yells at us or is angry with us, we should not respond in the same tone. Many married couples fall into this trap of the devil, when one begins to rail, then the other will come back railing also. The Bible tells us to refrain from this, and keep our tongue from yelling evil and hurtful things at the other one. If fact, we are told that if we want to have our prayers answered and see good days, then we must not give a tongue lashing to our mates.

1 Peter 3:8-12:
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

We are told to seek peace and harmony with each other. In fact, if someone comes against us with angry words, we are told to come back with a soft answer. We are not to answer a fool according to his folly or we will be just like him.

Proverbs 15:1: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

So how do we answer a fool? According to Verse 5 in today's study, we are to address his folly, not stoop to his level of temperament. We are to speak the truth in love, when someone is acting foolishly and needs correction. We are not to just ignore it, as then, they will become puffed up in their own conceit. Our motive should be to help them see their folly so they can be spared the consequences of it.

Ephesians 4:14-15:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us Your wisdom as to how to deal with so many issues in life situations. The book of Proverbs is a wonderful book that addresses so many relationship problems. I am grateful that You are not silent about how we are to relate with one another. Help me to take Your advice to heart and apply it to my relationships with others. May I respond in love and with Your wisdom, when challenged by those who would want to argue. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may be an example of how You would deal with difficult people. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.