A waste of words ∙∙∙

A waste of words ∙∙∙

Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice. – Proverbs 23:9

Matthew 13:12-15

12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.”

15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears, they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.

When we drive, frustrating things often happen. From being cut off to losing a parking spot, annoying moments happen all the time. Some people respond with Road Rage, an outburst of anger directed at other drivers. But here’s the question—does getting angry actually solve anything?

There’s another response that many of us might recognize in ourselves. It’s less dramatic but just as unproductive—talking to the cars around us. Maybe you’ve done it or at least seen someone do it. Suddenly, it’s as if the cars have personalities, and we scold them for their behavior. We chide them for cutting us off, going too fast, going too slow, “stealing” our parking spot, or sitting still after the light turns green. But we all know the truth—cars are not sentient beings. They don’t listen, respond, or apologize. They only honk.

Here’s the thing—trying to talk to cars is a waste of time. And in life, dealing with certain people can feel just as futile. Some individuals may hear your words, but they never truly listen. They cling to stubbornness, refusing to open their minds to others, even if it is common sense or based upon years of experience.

Proverbs 23:9 makes this clear: “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.” The issue isn’t about intellect or comprehension. It’s about sheer hardheadedness. A fool is not lacking in intelligence but in willingness. They are resistant, thick-skinned, and impervious to reason. Have you noticed how exhausting it is to explain something over and over to someone who refuses to see the truth? It’s like shouting into the wind—your words are carried off and disappear.

The Lord Jesus Christ spoke to this as well in Matthew 7:6, reminding us to “not waste what is holy on people who are unholy.” This wisdom isn’t a call for harshness but for discernment. You can’t force someone to accept the truth if their heart is closed. It’s a tragic reality, but some people choose blindness. They shut their ears and close their eyes, ignoring what’s right in front of them.

The Bible warns of the end result of such stubbornness. Matthew 13:15 says, “For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me cure them.” The refusal to listen isn’t just a minor flaw—it has serious consequences. A hardened heart distances itself from wisdom, grace, and, ultimately, redemption.

Perhaps the lesson here is twofold. First, don’t waste precious energy trying to force change on those who refuse to accept it. Second, don’t allow yourself to become a fool who turns away from understanding. Life is already filled with frustration—whether it’s on the road or in our relationships. But instead of wasting time talking to cars or pleading with closed minds, we can choose to discern when it’s worth speaking and when it’s better to walk away. Sometimes, the wisest thing you can do is to stop and move on, keeping your peace intact and your heart open to God’s truth.

REFLECT & PRAY

There are moments when speaking to others feels like a wasted effort, their foolishness blocking the way to understanding. But as I ponder this thought, I must ask myself—am I any different at times? Do I play the fool? Do I resist seeking wisdom? Do I close my heart to instruction and correction?

Father, too often, I fall short. I fail to listen to the wise counsel You place in my path. I ignore the nudges to grow, to understand, to change. Soften my heart and teach me to be humble and discerning. Open my ears to wisdom and my heart to correction so I may grow in Your truth.

INSIGHT

The Father reminds us of the importance of listening through a simple object lesson. He has given us two ears and only one mouth—an indication that we should listen more than we speak. Yet, for many of us, this is a daily struggle.

James 1:19 offers clear guidance in this area: “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Still, we often charge ahead, quick to voice opinions while ignoring the value of listening, not even allowing others to finish their sentences.

Opinions are like belly buttons; everybody has one. We all naturally assume our own opinions are correct; no one thinks. I believe this because I know it is untrue. Wise people, however, seek out and listen to contrary views to see if they might have made a mistake; fools do not (Stanley).

Proverbs 12:15 says it bluntly: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” It’s a sobering thought, isn’t it? How often have we been so sure of ourselves that we refuse to acknowledge another perspective? And yet, the Father is not deceived by our certainty. Proverbs 16:2 reminds us that “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the motives.”
Fools are so sure of themselves and do not seek advice or guidance. They do not seek out contrary points of view or insight. They think they know it all. It never occurs to them that their motives may be skewed by self-interest or confirmation bias.

The Father, however, sees clearly. He examines not just our actions but our hearts. Jeremiah 17:10 affirms this truth: “But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives.”

None of us will “arrive” in this life. Our understanding is always subject to refinement as new insights and aspects of the truth unfold. Whether it’s breakthroughs in science or a deeper grasp of the Scriptures, we must be willing to reassess and, if necessary, adjust our beliefs. This is a mark of wisdom—an openness to lifelong learning.

There is no shame in seeking correction. On the contrary, it’s a sign of maturity and humility. To cultivate a teachable spirit is to acknowledge that discipleship is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment.

2 Timothy 2:15 encourages us to be diligent in this pursuit: “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”

The Greek word translated as work hard, be diligent, study, do your best is spoudazo. Spoudazo refers to “putting the utmost effort into some activity and trying as hard as possible.” It refers to “putting the utmost effort into some action;” hence, “make every effort” (UBS). The word has nuances of “being eager and zealous.” Guthrie writes that spoudazo contains the notion of “persistent zeal’” (George W. Knight). Wuest suggests the following translation, “Do your best, make haste, give diligence, hurry on, be eager to show yourself approved unto God.”

The Father is the CEO of the kingdom of God. The children of the King are His workers. There is no room for slackers among His children when it comes to knowing and sharing the Word of God. Yet how many children of the King are remiss in this area? Sadly, too many are content with a shallow understanding of Scripture when we are meant to dig deep, making it a part of who we are. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us of the living, active power of God’s Word, which should transform us from the Inside Out.

Paul’s instruction in 2 Timothy 2:15 isn’t merely a suggestion. He points us toward a life of diligence and purpose, urging us to be workers without shame when our efforts are examined. Are we living up to this call? If not, what steps of action can we undertake?

Here are some suggestions for those of us who want to remain teachable and avoid the pitfalls of foolishness:

1. Develop Humility – Put aside pride and self-justification. Acknowledge that you don’t know everything and remain open to correction.
2. Actively Seek Wisdom – Don’t wait for advice to come to you. Pursue counselors, mentors, and resources that can help you grow.
3. Be Diligent in Studying the Word – Go beyond surface-level understanding. Strive to deeply know the Scriptures, allowing them to shape your thoughts and actions.
4. Self-Reflect Regularly – Ask yourself tough questions. Are you truly seeking God’s truth, or do confirmation bias and a personal agenda drive you?

By striving for excellence and diligently pursuing truth, we honor Him and fulfill our role in His kingdom. To be a student, a disciple of Christ, is a lifelong calling—one we must never take lightly.

¯_(ツ)_/¯5-03-3

© Dr. H 2025