“If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.” Proverbs 29:9
This passage reminds us of our complete dependence on God. Our best efforts, our most thoughtfully constructed arguments are ineffective convincers of truth unless God is doing the convincing. At the conclusion of all the activity in this verse, there is still no rest. This realization is not meant to produce hopelessness or an unwillingness to engage. But it is meant to instruct us to not depend on our own abilities in the engaging. We should study, thoughtfully choose our words, and seek to persuade those who are in error. But even as we prepare and as we engage, we should seek a greater help, One who is able to work exceedingly above our own power to produce change in the fool. The truth of this verse should drive us to a consistent habit of prayer.