Escaping the argument trap (Part 3)

"Don't answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.  But speak with a fool according to your wisdom lest he think in his soul that he is wise." 
Proverbs 26:4-5

AVOID ARGUMENTATIVE PEOPLE.
In arguments, if I stoop to the level of the foolish person arguing, I'll become like him, according to the verses I've quoted.  I need to not let myself get distracted.  I can do this in one of three ways:

1. Completely avoid the argumentative person.
2. If you can't avoid her, if possible, don't say anything to her at all.  (Never reason with a drunkard--someone who is angry or not thinking straight.)
3. If you must speak to the argumentative person, wisely and briefly say only what is necessary to end the conversation, as it is written:

"Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." 

Proverbs 17:14


I have actually experienced victory in dealing with argumentative people--when I've remembered these things.  I have to remember who I can and can't talk to.  The key is avoiding the argumentative person, as it is written,

"Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared."  Proverbs 22:24-25

This verse says it all!  It tells us how to escape the argument trap:  avoid argumentative people, if this is possible.  If not, as it says in Proverbs 17:14, end interactions with argumentative people as soon as possible.  Don't answer them.  Don't say anything.  Leave them as soon as you can.  If you can't leave them, if you have to talk to them (like if they're your boss) speak as briefly as possible, as it is also written,

"When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise."  Proverbs 17:10

So if you're like me, and you never want to argue again, we now know how.

• Avoid argumentative people.
• If we can't avoid them, don't talk to them.
• If we must talk to them, wisely speak briefly.  (This means we say only what we need to say, only what they are open to hearing, no more no less, according to their authority if we're in their territory.)

May we never argue again. 

May  we escape the argument trap.

(Both images are from Google Images)