Giving: When Not To

Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

Matthew 7:6 (NKJV)

Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.

Proverbs 23:9 (NLT)

Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.

Proverbs 26:4 (NLT)

I wasted decades debating a fool, although his brain was labeled “brilliant”. I realized, far later than I should, that pride can dull even the brightest minds…

Including my own, before I was humbled. I thank the God of wisdom that I was.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Consider some things I learned the hard way: I know you’re smart, but no one is that smart. You weren’t made to fix broken minds and hearts. Only One, the Healer, can do that job. Therein:

Debating an intellectual fool is an exercise in futility.

  • Don’t waste your time, talents and energy trying to convince an arrogant person…

  • That your cause (or even your God) is right. A fool’s eyes and ears are closed to the truth.

  • Walk away. Retreat to a private place and pour out your heart to God. He’ll hear, and…

  • He’ll take care of it and take care of YOU! God will soothe your heart and humble the fool.

  • If the fool is blessed like I was blessed, he’ll surrender his proud and hurting heart.

  • And become a new creation in Christ! Put your passion into a winning cause…

Pray for all the “know-it-all’s” in your life. Also remember to humble YOURSELF. Pride can creep up on “the best” of Christians.

Since I committed my life to Jesus, surprisingly to me (at least at first)... were the puffed-up people I met in church. They are, I believe, the worst kind of fools. They aren’t simply making fools of themselves. They’re misrepresenting the God of wisdom!

Giving: When Not To (Part 14)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban