The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. ~ Prov 12:15

It can be so frustrating. Asking a friend for advice or even simply to listen without the advice, and they give us … what? Their opinion, often contrary to our own. So we go pick another friend to “bounce our idea” on – and we keep doing that until we find someone to justify our rightness (not our righteousness, but our desire to be correct).

You know what else can be frustrating? When we tell someone what we think and they disagree. What is it about our nature that makes us want to be right? At least once, all the time.

Pride.

This pride often comes packaged up with custom-fitted wisdom blockers, to cover our ears and eyes so we can focus on our own rightness (not our righteousness, but our desire to be correct).

The counsel of God’s word, in study and prayer. The counsel of Godly friends and family, with the cover of prayer and an open Bible nearby. The counsel of patience, and of prudence, and of perspective.

The path of rightness and the path of righteousness are divergent. Only one is worth fighting for.

Prov 11:13 – A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

We should always speak the truth (Eph 4:25), but does that mean we should speak every truth? Gossiping lips are not limited to a lying tongue. Gossip can also be when a truth that should be left unsaid is shared with others.

This sharing of “inside info” is a prideful action, isn’t it? Sort of an “Wouldn’t you like to know what I know” type of position.

Gossip leaks. Prudence protects.

One of the best resources and studies on this topic is Resisting Gossip by Matt Mitchell. A great individual read or group study.

In some ways, it seems as if we are living in an era where mischief and lies leading to another person’s fall or failure is like a sport. We laugh at videos of falls and failures and share them like LOLcats.

Slander and falsehoods are the tools of this trade, and social media has become the soap box on which to stand up and throw down.

Prov 10:23 To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom.

Even during such stormy times, we can be comforted with Prov 10:29-30, not by our own strength, but by the Lord’s strength.

If you encounter the sport of wrongdoing, don’t compete. In some ways, it’s better to just walk away.

There are some conversations that are simply unprofitable for anyone. The longer it goes on, the worse it gets. I’ve had my share of those.

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. – Prov 9:6

There are times to engage, and times to disengage. There are people that will be worth the effort, and others that it will be better to walk away. And some people, who are normally worth the effort, have foolish moments.

The Holy Spirit will guide you in appropriate times, especially if you are investing time in study and prayer. Incline your ear to God.

Keep in mind Prov 9:6-10 during conversations that continue to go south. Sometimes, it’s best just to walk away.