Proverbs 23:9

#89: Proverbs 23:9 - Know When, and when not to, Speak Wisdom

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Story summary

Brushy and Bart embark on an expedition to find their lost friends in Chuckleberry Woods. Greybobby, Betty, Red, and Joy try to warn them that it might be dangerous, but they refuse to listen. Ultimately, Joy reminds Greybobby, Betty, and Red of the lesson from Proverbs 23:9— know when and when not to speak wisdom.

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
for he will despise the good sense of your words.

What did We Learn?

Speaking wisdom to someone who refuses to listen often doesn’t help—it can even make things worse.
The good news is this: even when we act foolishly, Jesus doesn’t turn His back on us. Jesus came to rescue us when we were stuck in the mess of our own choices—when we were foolish, stubborn, and lost.
Jesus is not only our Savior, He is our wisdom. He teaches us to listen to truth, to value the voices that speak from His Word, and to humbly admit when we’ve gone the wrong way.
When others are being foolish, we don’t have to argue them into sense—we can pray for them and, when needed, seek help.
Wisdom isn’t just good advice—it’s part of walking with Jesus.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending Jesus, not just to teach us wisdom, but to rescue us when we’ve been foolish.
Thank You that even when we ignore good sense, Your love never gives up on us.
Help us follow Jesus, who is our wisdom and our Shepherd, and help us love others by knowing when to speak, when to pray, and when to get help.
Teach us to walk in humility, always listening for Your voice.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen.