Proverbs 29.9
“If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.”
When there is a debate between a wise person and a fool, it is not a reasonable discussion that leads to a resolution. Instead, it is chaos. This is because the fool is stubbornly arrogant to the point of being irrational.
The fool doesn’t bring facts to the discussion; rather, the fool brings emotion and noise. When confronted with a different point of view, the fool gets angry and ridicules the wise person and their message. Fools don’t understand the value of creative abrasion. They don’t understand that iron sharpens iron.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27.17)
We are witnessing this very thing today in many of the debates about social and political issues. Extremists do not want to engage in civil discourse; rather, they want to silence and “cancel” the perspective of those who disagree with them. For example, on some (many?) college campuses, speakers who present a conservative point of view are shouted down or prevented from speaking.
We also see this censorship in social media, where big tech is systematically censoring and de-platforming conservative voices.
The protesters, who ironically describe themselves as progressives, use the tactics described in this proverb. They rage, they mock, they shout … and they certainly are not quiet. Their standard strategy is to engage in name-calling and glibly declare what has become a cookie-cutter list of derisive labels: racist, fascist, nazi, misogynist, homophobe, xenophobe, etc..
The tragic result of this foolishness is that free speech, civil discourse, and the debating of alternative perspectives and viewpoints are being severely restricted (and in some cases eliminated altogether) in many forums. Needless to say, this is disastrous for the collegiate learning process, which should encourage and facilitate exposure to differing ideas and perspectives.
The people of God should be in the vanguard of respectful civil discourse. We are called to be wise people who aren’t afraid of different opinions and perspectives. We should welcome diversity of thought, yet do so with discernment. Our task is to speak the truth in love.
“The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” (Proverbs 16.21)
We must not shy away from disagreement; rather, we must respond with respectful discussion, discourse, and debate. We do this with faith (and without fear) because we know that iron sharpens iron, and we understand the benefit of creative abrasion.
When you talk with people who have a different view than you, make it a conversation, not a confrontation. Engage respectfully and listen carefully. Seek to persuade, not antagonize. It is not enough to be right; you must also be effective.
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4.5-6)
Coram Deo
