Speaking vs. Spurning

“Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words” (Proverbs 23:9).  “And he [Paul] went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.  But when diverse were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.  And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:8-10). 

At times we discover at last we must turn

From those who are mocking God’s Word.

Speak not in the ears of a fool who will spurn

The Gospel they clearly have heard.

We see this when Paul with the Jews had disputed,

Then sadly from them he departed.

With Scripture and reason their way was refuted,

But still they became more hard hearted. 

He spoke very boldly to them day by day,

Until it became very clear

That they had determined to turn souls away,

By spurning the truth they would hear. 

The Lord gave to Paul the conviction to go

And teach with a clear separation,

So those who were honest and humble could know

That truth has a solid foundation.

And thus for two years there was fruit in that school,

The school of Tyrannus, so named,

Discerning the truth then despised by the fool,

So Christ would be boldly proclaimed.  

Both Jews and the Greeks in the lands which were Asian

Thus heard the pure Word of our Savior.

Disciples thus trained in the Gospel’s persuasion

Were speaking as God gave them favor.

Lord, grant us Your wisdom in all of our speaking

To daily become more discerning,

Proclaiming the Gospel to those who are seeking,

And praying for those who are spurning.