The Noontimes

Proverbs 26: Recycling Silliness

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Don’t respond to the stupidity of a fool;
you’ll only look foolish yourself. (MSG)

We may draw others into our own foolishness, or we may be drawn in by the foolishness of others. Whatever the circumstances, the proverbs remind us that putting new glaze on cracked pottery solves nothing. Jesus tells us that new wine will break old wineskins. The Holy Spirit wants to renew us in Christ so that we might be one.

Do not answer fools according to their folly,
    or you will be a fool yourself. (NRSV)

Paul tells the Corinthians – and he tells us – that for Christ’s sake we are fools; but you are wise in union with Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! We are despised, but you are honored! (1 Corinthians 4:10)

Don’t answer a fool in terms of his folly,
    or you will be descending to his level. (CJB)

Jesus reminds us that fools build houses on sand will find them washed away in rivers of rain, while the wise build on a rock foundation. (Matthew 7:24-27)

If you answer a silly question, you are just as silly as the person who asked it. (GNT)

All of creation tells us that our earthly wisdom is nothing when compared to the wisdom of God, for what seems to be God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and what seems to be God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. (1 Corinthians 1:25)

When we spend time with the verses of this chapter, we give ourselves tools to avoid recycling the foolishness of the world.

To compare varying versions of these verses, use the scripture links and the drop-down menus.

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