There’s more to a conversation than just talking. The word itself points to alteration or change. Conversation comes from the Latin – conversari, meaning abide with and convert
ere, meaning to turn around. So then, in a conversation you are abiding with and being turned around (to some degree) by who you are talking with.
Scripture says, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him (Proverbs. 26:4).” “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33).” It becomes clear etymologically and practically that we must be careful of our words and who we share them with.
Arguing with a fool makes you a fool. We know this to be true by the many childish discussions (or should I say ‘disgustions’) that we have witnessed or participated in. Tension rises, pressure builds, voices get raised and the wrong words are said. All for naught because it accomplished nothing positive.
To argue with a fool you have to meet him at his level. This means that you have to climb down into the ‘fool pit’ with him. The same is true for all unworthy conversation. The real results, after all the words and passions have passed, is that you have become that which you so despised.
It is about motive and value. If you know a person to be argumentive keep it simple. Or if the subject is not so important, brush it off. Wise men hold their peace but a fool answers every challenge. We don’t have to correct every mistake, answer every critique, silence every rumor, disprove every lie or confront every insult. The higher you rise the more things are beneath you.
By the way, it tickles my soul when someone tries to bait me into an argument and I reply, “Oh really, that’s awesome.” Or “Wow, I never looked at it like that before.” I send them merrily on their way while I save time and energy. If someone genuinely has a point or needs fruitf
ul contention, that’s one thing. But if they are out to belittle, or strut their stuff, they can take center stage elsewhere.
I wonder if this principle holds true in the positive. If arguing with a fool makes me a fool, and evil communication corrupts good morals, then what happens when I speak with the wise and good. Abiding with and being turned around by wise men sounds like a good personal growth plan.
Wow! Maybe that’s why we all need to pray more.
ere, meaning to turn around. So then, in a conversation you are abiding with and being turned around (to some degree) by who you are talking with.Scripture says, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him (Proverbs. 26:4).” “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33).” It becomes clear etymologically and practically that we must be careful of our words and who we share them with.
Arguing with a fool makes you a fool. We know this to be true by the many childish discussions (or should I say ‘disgustions’) that we have witnessed or participated in. Tension rises, pressure builds, voices get raised and the wrong words are said. All for naught because it accomplished nothing positive.
To argue with a fool you have to meet him at his level. This means that you have to climb down into the ‘fool pit’ with him. The same is true for all unworthy conversation. The real results, after all the words and passions have passed, is that you have become that which you so despised.
It is about motive and value. If you know a person to be argumentive keep it simple. Or if the subject is not so important, brush it off. Wise men hold their peace but a fool answers every challenge. We don’t have to correct every mistake, answer every critique, silence every rumor, disprove every lie or confront every insult. The higher you rise the more things are beneath you.
By the way, it tickles my soul when someone tries to bait me into an argument and I reply, “Oh really, that’s awesome.” Or “Wow, I never looked at it like that before.” I send them merrily on their way while I save time and energy. If someone genuinely has a point or needs fruitf
ul contention, that’s one thing. But if they are out to belittle, or strut their stuff, they can take center stage elsewhere.I wonder if this principle holds true in the positive. If arguing with a fool makes me a fool, and evil communication corrupts good morals, then what happens when I speak with the wise and good. Abiding with and being turned around by wise men sounds like a good personal growth plan.
Wow! Maybe that’s why we all need to pray more.
4 comments:
Amen. A wise person once said "humble is the way".
Amenx3 and a Whoop Whoop!! Humble is the way.
Needed that reminder, thanks.
That was good stuff!
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