Don't Argue With A Fool Or A Non-believer

"Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself."  Proverbs 26:4 (NIV)

King Solomon said do not agree with a fool, or engage him at his level, rebuke him, correct him, or leave him alone.  Speak to him, tell him the truth and point out the error in his ways.  Do not argue with him or you will be perceived as being just like him.

To paraphrase an old saying, when you see a fool and a genius arguing, it is difficult to tell which one is which.  Do not argue with a fool, do not go down to his level.  If he bashes you and your friends, for whatever reason, do not bash him and his friends.  Do not try to out point him in his game.  A wise man must be taught how to deal with fools.  This applies to the believer dealing with non-believers.  Believers need to know when to speak, what to say, and when to be silent. (Colossians 4:6)  When confronted by a non-believer, one should speak the truth, tell him what the Bible says on that matter, give him book, chapter, and verse, if possible, and then end the conversation politely, agreeing to disagree if he persists.  To quote the Bible and apply it correctly to people, we need to study it. (2 Timothy 2:15)  It is our job to share The Word of God with people. (Mark 16:15)  It is The Holy Spirit's job to convict, convince, convert, and consecrate, and to add to the Church as He sees fit. (Acts 2:47)  Sometimes we just need to "shake the dust off" our shoes and move on, as Jesus told His disciples to do when they meet non-receptive non-believers. (Matthew 10:14, Mark 6:11, and Luke 9:5)