“Don't answer fools when they speak foolishly, or you will be just like them.” Proverbs 26:4 (NCV)
There’s a lot of negative stuff online. It’s never been easier to take to heart the negativity you read on social media and get drawn into unproductive arguments. It’s tempting to want to set people straight!
But the Bible says, “Stay away from those who have foolish arguments and talk about useless family histories and argue and quarrel about the law. Those things are worth nothing and will not help anyone” (Titus 3:9 NCV).
God doesn’t want you to get involved in useless arguments—that includes those online. There are plenty of people just waiting for someone to challenge them. They even go looking for arguments. But those folks use motivated reasoning, which means no matter what you say, it's not going to change anything. The Bible has something to say about people who live for the fight: “Just as charcoal and wood keep a fire going, a quarrelsome person keeps an argument going” (Proverbs 26:21 NCV).
Don’t add fuel to the fire. “Don't answer fools when they speak foolishly, or you will be just like them” (Proverbs 26:4 NCV). Don’t let them hook you!
What people think about you should not concern you and does not have any degree of influence on your happiness. Instead, here's what Jesus says you should be worrying about: “And I tell you that on the Judgment Day people will be responsible for every careless thing they have said” (Matthew 12:36 NCV).
One day, we’re going to give an account of every word we used online or our phones. That ought to give anyone pause before they post anything.
The Bible says that pride always causes conflict (Proverbs 13:10). Anywhere you find conflict, ego is involved. When my pride hits your pride, that causes conflict.
Before you go online, ask God to give you a good dose of humility. You’ll need it as you face the fire and make the right choice to speak in love.
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California with campuses in major cities around the world. He is the author of The Purpose Driven Life, which has been translated into 90 languages and sold more than 50 million copies in all formats. You can listen to his daily radio broadcast at PastorRick.com.
