Some men are proud of their speaking abilities; others naively feel obliged to speak to all people under all circumstances. Both sorts overrate dialogue. Speaking to an stubborn fool, even if we speak wisely and winsomely, is like throwing pearls before swine. Our silences within a conversation may be interpreted as rudeness by those who overrate dialogue, but when we refuse to engage a perverse man in conversation, we are simply following the instruction of God’s Word and the example of our blessed Redeemer (Luke 23:8–9). Our silence as well as our speech should be directed by our Lord.
9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.