Yesterday I wrote about a preacher who corresponded with an atheist. Some would question whether Christians ought to even try to engage such people in conversation. After all, it is the fool who says in his heart that there is no God (Psalm 14:1), so why try to converse with a fool? And then there’s Proverbs 26:4, which says, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.”

However, the very next verse, Proverbs 26:5 says, “Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.” These two verses might seem to clash with each other, but it just means that you need to use discernment. Sometimes you can win over a non-believer. Other times you are just casting your pearls before swine.

Try to use your best judgment in answering an atheist. You may have a fruitful conversation. Or you might just be wasting your time.