“Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.”

This can be an incredibly frustrating truth to experience. A biblical “fool” is someone who rejects, ignores, or scoffs at guidance, correction, and instruction. (AI resource) Most of the people who receive these brief devotions from the book of Proverbs by text, email, or on the app opted to receive them. I don’t send them to anyone who, at some point over the last 15 years, didn’t indicate a desire to receive them. Therefore, if they disagree, they can drop out, block them, or delete the app. It is easy to share with those who might not always agree but asked to be included. In this verse, Solomon warns about what Jesus in the New Testament referred to as casting pearls before swine. He made it clear that this was a waste of time and good pearls. I don’t particularly care for the implications of this verse. I want to believe that deep down everyone wants to hear and respond to truth—God’s truth. That they don’t like walking blindly in ignorance to their destruction. However, pride and arrogance can drive a person with such powerful force that they stand against, dare I say scorn, wise counsel. Jesus talks about this person not only mocking the wise but also seeking to destroy them—to tear them to pieces. That is an ugly picture. Today, choose your listener carefully. #BeTheEdge

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” Matthew 7:6 NIV