Proverb 26:9

Have you ever been around a drunkard with a thornbush in hand? It’ll make you walk in the opposite direction. Especially when they start to get rowdy and belligerent. Sadly, there are fools brandishing proverbs in an angry, belligerent way doing more damage than good to themselves and others. Their zeal without genuine love and understanding becomes a spiritual repellent… especially to soul-searchers who have yet to be fully introduced to the teachings of Christ.

A real life example, of foolish use of Scripture, that keeps coming to mind is when these vans, armed with loud speakers, covered with signs proclaiming, “THE GAYS WILL BURN IN HELL!” role out and encircle the capital building in the heart of downtown. Their message may be true when we really sit down and investigate what the Scriptures teach. But is this message being conveyed in a way of love that it may be received and understood? I would like to see the stats on how many people are moved to know more about the love of God by campaigns like this.

Those who want to proclaim the truth of God’s teaching will have to say things the world doesn’t want to hear, but it can be said calmly and personally in a way that people will be open to accepting it. Let’s not ruin the seriousness and depth of spiritual teaching by angrily proclaiming partial verses that make God and his people seem angry and bigoted. Be responsible. Teach wisely.

See the comic strip.