Proverbs 29:7-9 (ESV)
7 A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame,
but the wise turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
The evil person is so self focused that she doesn’t think about how her behavior impacts others around her, especially those who have less. But the one who is upright considers how her actions may exploit the disadvantaged, showing compassion to all. Mockers ignore the needs of others, joyfully destroying if it means getting their own way. Those who are wise work to protect the well-being and integrity of the community, rejecting the perversion of fairness. When at odds, the wise person calmly defers to the judicial system for protection, but the fool laughs and scoffs at the claims up the upright. The righteous reject the fool’s babble, avoiding strife. When allured, refuse to allow your emotions to override logic. Stick to what makes sense, trusting the Lord for vindication. Though a fool may entice you to engage in his nonsense, even repeatedly, stand firm and resist temptation today.