Reading the Word

“If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.” (Proverbs 29:9, ESV)

Understanding and Applying the Word

The imagery of this proverb is the courtroom. The Hebrew word translated “argument” is one that speaks of a legal argument that is laid out with logic and reason before others. Even with all of the evidence and reasoning, the fool only rages and laughs. There is no quiet because the fool is not interested in reasoning, only foolishness.

There are better things to do than argue with others who are already convinced and are not willing to reconsider. Some people are not interested in reason or understanding. They have their mind made up no matter what anyone else may say. The fool only desires to speak, not listen, so he rages on. The next time you are tempted to argue over a topic, ask yourself if there is any chance of it changing the other person’s mind. If not, it may be better to walk away.

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