Proverbs 26:4-5
Examples:
Mat. 16:1-4; 21:24-27; 26:62-64
Mat. 27:11-14
Lk. 20:1-8; 23:8-11
A conversation consists of two people exchanging thoughts and ideas about a mutual topic of interest. This invariably means that there will be questions that are either requests for more information or are an attempt to emotionally manipulate you. It is the tenor of the passage in Proverbs that make for how a Christian should respond to every form of inquiry.
To the spiritually deficient, these two passages might appear to be opposed to each other and the fool will unilaterally throw up his hands and attempt to say the Bible is confusing or contradictory. But the discerning spirit will contemplate the deeper meaning and with a little encouragement, might go on to see the examples of what Jesus did and how He responded to various forms of inquiry.
Note that when a person asks you a question in a leading or circumspect manner that there is an ulterior motive which is often sinful in character. There is no reason to ask a leading question unless you want a ‘follow’ answer. Sometimes the question is an attempt to use your emotions against you such as when offering an insult disguised as a compliment: “You really don’t believe that Bible stuff do you?” as if to say, “You’re stupid if you do.” It can come in many forms but is always, seemingly rhetorical.
Jesus’ conversation with Pilate gives some examples in each of the passages in Matthew (21:24-27; 26:62-64; 27:11-14) and two examples with Herod in Luke (23:8-11). He also dealt with the Pharisees who often tried to set traps for Him (Lk. 20:1-8). They should be easy to see so read them for yourself. There were times when Jesus gave an answer and times when he remained silent. They are perfect examples in response to peoples motives. Jesus did this throughout His ministry in dealing with the Pharisees and Sadducees.
When Pilate asked him if he was a King, Jesus answered him in such a way over his head that Pilate simply thought he was crazy. Furthermore, the Lord didn’t trigger any emotional response to Pilate’s Roman pride (Pro. 26:5) for it was a crime to usurp the authority of Caesar. Pilate did it himself without even realizing it. When Pilate asked Jesus his response concerning the mob, Jesus said nothing. Why should He? It was a mob with no evidence of any crime. I can imagine (and the Lord would have been justified if He thought) “Fool! Did you really just ask me that stupid question?!” (Pro. 26:4), as Pilate looked squeamishly off his balcony. This form of inquiry is naïve at best and satanic at worst.
Jesus did the same to Herod who thought Jesus was there to entertain him not taking the time to contemplate the gravity of the Lord’s presence. He was a fool and not worthy of Jesus’ time or words. From the reading, Herod likely thought something was wrong with Jesus as well and rendered Him harmless. This whole experience could have made the Lord feel justifiably disrespected and angry at all the fools surrounding Him but He chose mercy and to not participate in their folly. This is why we must do the same when faced with people who want to make ridicule of our faith and deny the credibility of the scriptures. They don’t know because they don’t want to know, and are intellectually or emotionally unstable sufficiently to make void their reasoning. It’s unbalanced, emotionally driven thought against intellectual or spiritual contemplation. This attitude typically devolves into name calling or other bizarre talk that only brings clarity to the truth concerning that persons motives and character. These people are fools.
Psa. 14:1 To the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good.
Everything that happens from the moment Jesus was arrested to His crucifixion was done contrary to what was legal in both the Laws of Moses and the Roman empire. I would call it a “drumhead trial” if you’re familiar with the term. He was arrested in the middle of the night, before Passover and against Jewish law pertaining to when and how trials are to be handled. He was scourged twice by the Roman government in order to obtain a false confession on unsubstantiated charges. He was then handed over to the mob to be murdered. There was no justice in any of it!
Jesus was above all the petty politics. He didn’t cater to the egos around Him. He was above the religious social order. He was surrounded by fools. If evil men or authorities want to ‘get you’, they’ll get you! A lack of credibility in either witnesses or evidence won’t matter. It won’t matter whether there was a real crime or not. It will only matter how well it’s “marketed” to the public or rather, the mob that gets constructed! Those who strive towards evil are fools.
When you look at the whole picture of the leadership of Jesus’ time, both religious and civil government, is it spiritually (as in the nature of man) any different now? Has the social order of things changed so greatly as to be substantially better today than it was over 2,000 years ago? Your answer is your own to contemplate and read Ecclesiastes (cf. 1:14, et al) to see how your thoughts compare to Solomon’s time.
When someone asks you a question, ask yourself why are they asking it and take the time to formulate your answer. It’s OK to think about it and respond to their motives. The timing of a conversation should never precede its content. Jesus taught us how to respond to peoples motives, not just their questions. To suffer for the cause of Christ is the greatest honor in righteousness and Jesus’ life is the best example in human history.
