Proverbs 9:7-9 (Avoid Debating Scoffers)

“Thou shalt not clap back.” (KJV, but not really).

He who corrects a SCOFFER gets dishonor for himself, and he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you. Reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.

Proverbs 9:7-9

I submit to you that most debate is pointless. Debates on social media are a special kind of garbage. You are only doing yourself a disservice by debating or conversing with most scorners and mockers, especially because they don’t actually want to listen. Most times they just want to declare or project their views onto you.

(Trolls, keyboard gangsters, atheists, and people who only respond with sarcasm and snark are notorious for this.)

Instead, leave them alone, for “[t]hey are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” (Matt. 15:14.)

Debate or conversation with the wise and just, however, is something totally different. It is good fortune to reprove, teach, or converse with someone who understands true wisdom, or knows that a good debate sharpens knowledge.

This applies equally to Christians and unbelievers alike. Therefore, be discerning and receptive to listen, for “He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.” (Pro. 18:13.)