Don’t Answer Fools

Stop trying to get the last lick all the time, trying to get your get back all the time, trying to do God’s job all the time and instead go get down on your knees and pray!

Words of wisdom, I wish someone would have told me sooner! I mean think about how many times have you opened your mouth and instantly regretted it? How many times have you said to yourself I should have kept my mouth shut? I should have not said one word, because once you did, your words were twisted against you, shared with others as plain bold face lies or used to illicit an emotional response from you that left you drained and confused!

Proverbs 26:4 “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.

When you stoop (and drop your crown), allow the enemy to draw you out to engage you in a conversation that is full of lies, half-truths, full of confusion, meant to provoke you, frustrate you, confuse you and hurt you - It will never be worth it. “For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.” Proverbs 4:16

Healthy conversations and discussions are meant for two or more people seeking a resolution, does it mean we will always agree at the end of the discussion? NO, however it means we both came with the good INTENTIONS of having a positive exchange and held respect for the other party even if we disagreed.

Proverbs 26:5 “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.”

But wait a minute? Didn’t you just say don’t answer a fool? The bible refers to two different types of “Fools”.  According to this scripture there are times when someone may say or do something out of a place of ignorance (their belief or flawed logic) influences them but there is no ill intent, they are just operating out of a place of their own understanding. This is not the type of person I am referring to.

The person we all know is the person who is fully aware of their INTENT, they purposely do and say things to trigger you or others, cause confusion and if they can succeed destroy you! Along with the spirits of pride, and bitterness these types of people carry with them the spirit of STRIFE!

What does the word STRIFE mean?

It is defined as an angry or violent struggle, conflict or battle.

So what it took me years to understand, I pray that someone reading this receives quickly.

It didn’t matter that you were trying to be at peace, to find a healthy resolution, to come into agreement, to defend the truth, or clear up a misunderstanding, admit your faults, or apologize if the situation called for one.

So, You Might be Wondering What is the Point of It All? The goal of these attacks is not to achieve any type of resolution and it's not to bring peace or to move forward.

It is very simple! It is to keep you in a continual cycle of chaos, frustration and confusion. The cycle of going back and forth for absolutely no reason, but to distract and disrupt, it is the enemies plan to keep you fighting the same tired battles over and over again, just with different characters and circumstances; battles that you have already won in Jesus.

Exodus 14:14 “The Lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace.”

SO.... before you respond and get in your feelings- ASK God, DISCERN & WAIT:

1.     Ask God: What is the true intent of this person?

2.     Identify the Spirit that is operating through this person?

3.     Do I really need to respond?

4.     If I respond, will it make the matter better or worse? Will it change anything?

(Now Disclaimer Coming) You all know I say this is not a one size fits all, because there are sometimes when we are MUST speak and speak boldly, but by the time you have done these four things you will have gotten clarity on how to proceed with wisdom and not automatically respond from an emotional place.)

James 1:19 “So then my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to become angry”.

Thank you for reading another Moody Mindsets blog. Join us for the next blog: “Sometimes You have to Play Dumb to Become Smart"