Are You Talking To A Fool?

Have you ever been in a conversation and thought, “Am I just wasting my breath?” Sometimes we even label the person in our minds as a fool.

But who is a fool?

The Bible says it’s the one who won’t listen, who thinks they already know it all, and who ignores wise counsel. Do you know anyone like that? I sure do. And truthfully, I’ve been that fool more times than I’d like to admit.

That’s why I wrestle with this verse:

“Don’t speak to fools; they will only ignore your wise words.” (Proverbs 23:9 NCV)

I struggle because I don’t always know when to move on. Most of my life I’ve been in sales, and I was taught to keep going, to ask again, to not give up too quickly. Many times I’ve had people tell me, “I’m glad you didn’t quit on me.”

And honestly, I feel the same way about the people who didn’t give up on me when it came to Jesus - my brother, my friends, and especially the Holy Spirit.

I was stubborn and hardhearted, but finally God opened my eyes. I was a fool who wouldn’t listen, until one day I did.

So here’s the tension: when do we keep going, and when do we be quiet?

Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone does not welcome you or listen to what you say, leave that home or city. Shake its dust off your feet” (Matthew 10:14 NCV).

There are times when it’s wise to move on. But there are also times to keep pressing in.

Paul said it this way: “But the Scriptures say, ‘I believed, so I spoke.’ Our faith is like that too. We believe, and so we speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13 NCV).

And Jesus’ final command was clear: “So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything that I have told you to do. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time” (Matthew 28:19–20 NCV).

That doesn’t mean we all have to preach. Some people are shy and say, “I’m just not the type to speak up.”

But sharing Jesus can be as simple as showing kindness, offering love, or telling your story of what He’s done in your life. Sometimes actions speak louder than words.

At the end of the day, it’s the Holy Spirit who opens hearts. If I listen, He will tell me when to speak and when to be silent. My job is to love, to share when prompted, and to trust His leading.

I don’t want to deem someone as a fool too quickly. And I don’t want to miss my chance to be faithful either. And I don’t want to speak when I should move on.

That’s why I keep asking God to give me discernment.

LORD, help me know when to speak and when to be silent. I don’t want to judge someone as being a fool. Holy Spirit, please give me discernment. IJNIP amen ♥️