Time to Go

(Pro 14:7 KJV)  Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

Set aside for a moment the need to decide someone is a fool and how that conflicts with,

(Mat 5:22 KJV)  But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

The point being made here is that if you spend too much time around certain types of people it will get harder and harder for you to think clearly.  

I have gone through that this week.  I spend several days in intense discussion, debate, argument, pick your term, with someone of strong opinion and numerous cherry picked, proof texts.  I knew going in it would be a losing battle but I wasn’t trying to win a war.  I find that in-depth, passionate discussion helps to focus my thinking.  The key is having a time limit.  At the time of discussion it is hard to counter carefully picked and out of context verses that seem to say one thing.  It is when you withdraw and have a chance to think without the buffeting that you can begin to put the package together.

So?  Listen to what people have to say.  Then go away, read and think on your own.  The word and the Spirit will draw you back and you will be a stronger person for it.