Christmas Survival Plan
Proverb 29: 9
When a wise person has a controversy with a foolish person, the foolish person either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
Otherwise stated, this verse says, there is no point arguing with a fool. Many of us will be spending the holidays with friends and family. Usually, there is someone in that group (maybe several someones) who presents a challenge. So, this is a good time to think about how you are going to handle those situations.
Let us all start now praying for peace, patience, tolerance, etc. Don’t wait until Christmas Eve to start praying. Go ahead and get your tank full! Second, let’s just understand that there is no point talking with some people. This verse is so right, they either fly into a tiff, makes sarcastic remarks, or make some completely foolish argument. They have no ambition for seeking absolute truth, have no intention to grow personally and are not interested in what you know or what you have learned in your pursuit of wisdom and growth. Understand who and where they are and just accept them as they are. Don’t try to lead, teach or guide. They aren’t interested, and in the end, they will resent you for it and usually make a scene too.
The best is when you can avoid these folks, but at this time of the year you know that isn’t possible, so we must develop another strategy. You may like to talk about meaningful things, to hear others’ opinions and to voice the counterpoint too. However, not everyone is interested in such a dialogue. That’s okay. So why frustrate yourself and allow the fool to stir up unrest? Solomon is trying to tell us there is no fruit in that pursuit.
Most people are happy talking about themselves, so maybe the best conversation to have with the foolish person you cannot avoid is to ask what they’ve been up to. Just try to avoid the controversy because there is no way to succeed with a fool. The best thing to do is pray for them. We all need more of God in our lives so begin sending your prayers to God now, for them and for you.
