God has called us to answer gently to those who wish to listen to the truth. However, there are occasions when silence is considered gold. It is also not wise to answer in certain contexts too. The three friends of Daniel refused to explain why they will not worship the image Nebuchadnezzar had made, thought they would be surely thrown into fire: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to answer you in this matter.” (Daniel 3:16)
Truth known: Nebuchadnezzar knew Daniel and his friends as they graduated from the academy. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, which he forgot. Daniel was the one who told the dream and its interpretation. Even after knowing the True God, violating the Ten Commandments, Nebuchadnezzar made a huge image quoted with gold.
Misunderstanding: Nebuchadnezzar wanted to be an eternal king. Daniel’s interpretation of a dream that inferior kingdoms (superpower) would succeed him (gold) is portrayed by the metals silver, bronze, iron, and clay. By creating a whole image of gold, Nebuchadnezzar thought he will live and rule forever.
Ignored God: By rejecting God, the truth, Nebuchadnezzar became a fool. The three Jewish young men understood this well. Without belief in God, a person loses his/her dignity to become a fool. “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” (Proverbs 26:4)
Waste: The Jewish young men did not want to allow Nebuchadnezzar to think of himself as wise. If they answer the foolish king, he will assume he is wise. “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.” (Proverbs 26:4,5)
Pearl before swine: Lord Jesus warned not to give pearls to swine. The swine will not appreciate, but rather attack the giver. (Matthew 7:6)
Refusal to answer: Hezekiah did not answer Rabshakeh, and Lord Jesus did not explain to his adversaries. (Matthew 26:62; John 19:9)
Accept suffering: The three Jewish young men were willing to suffer, even death for their faith. God miraculously delivered them from fire.
Do I discern when and how to answer?