“Don’t answer fools according to their folly, or you will become like them yourself. Answer fools according to their folly, or they will deem themselves wise.” (Prov 26:4-5 CEB)

Know anyone who is simply impossible to deal with?

Julie and I have spent countless hours trying to figure out how to handle the difficult people in our lives. We approach complicated interactions like professional chess players carefully predicting moves and countermoves.

Unfortunately, our best strategizing rarely produces a truly satisfying result. That’s because, no matter how hard you try, there’s just no winning with some people. This idea is cleverly conveyed by the intentionally contradictory proverbs above.

One of the reasons Christians turn to Scripture is to find answers to life’s complicated questions. This is absolutely something we should do, but it’s helpful to keep in mind that, contrary to what some may suggest, the Bible isn’t a playbook that tells you exactly how to respond in any and every specific situation.

Speaking to his disciples, Jesus said,

“I have much more to say to you, but you can’t handle it now. However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you in all truth” (John 16:12-13 CEB).

As Christians, we are guided by more than ideologies, more than concepts of morality, more than sacred wisdom writings— we are guided by the Spirit of the living God!

Doing careful research is always a smarter move than merely trusting our gut instincts, but the wisest thing we can possibly do in any given circumstance is confess the limitations of the whole of humanity and seek the perfect counsel of the Lord of heaven and earth.

There will be times that we find ourselves in lose-lose predicaments, but turning to God in prayer is always an easy win.

Lord God, thank you for giving us more than just a set of instructions or principles for how we ought to live and respond to those around us. Thank you for giving us the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who guides us in all truth and faithfully ushers us into your loving presence. Amen.