Waste of Time… “Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.” Proverbs 23:9
Some people do not regard wise words as worthy of attention. On the contrary, they may even scorn the wisdom of your words. They are intimidated by truth. Why the foolish frame truth as an enemy is dumbfounding. When others show disdain and contempt for wisdom, we are wise if we don’t coddle their immaturity. There are some people who are a poor investment of energy and attention. Avoid wasting time on the fool hardy and disrespectful.
Jesus said it this way, “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you” (Matthew 7:6 NLT). We must use discernment with our allocation of limited resources. It is better to help one grateful and genuine disciple than nine others who have no intention on changing for the better. Be careful not to be hypnotized by the deception of hypocrites. Their goal is to change you and bring you down to their level of cynical living.
Our Lord is very tender toward our care and protection. He does not want us to needlessly expose ourselves to the ridicule and reproach of rascals. Do not be discouraged at unruly responses and rejection to your wise overtures. Like the parable of the soils, some hearts are not ready to receive the Word of God, so we wait for the right time. “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced” (Matthew 13:22 NLT).
Pray for fools to find the way of wisdom, but do not waste time trying to reason with their closed minds. Let the Holy Spirit do His work of conviction and change. Hold your relationships with an open hand and trust the Lord to bring love to their lean soul. Foolish pride eventually falls and then the wisdom of your words will ring true to their broken heart. Who do I need to give over to God and cease persuading them with wise words? “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1, NKJV).
Related Readings: Proverbs 9:7-8; 26:4-5; Luke 16:14; Acts 13:45-46
Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading?
How will I respond?
