How Proverbs 15:1 Can Help Us Respond to Half-Truths and Lies

I’m studying effective ways to respond when people share half-truths, and Proverbs 15:1 is helpful:  

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

I’ve written about asking questions when evangelizing (Pause, Ask, and Listen), and the same is applicable when dealing with half-truth lies.

In Tactics,(1) Gregory Koukl talks about a store clerk wearing a pentagram necklace. He asked her if it had special meaning, and the clerk explained she was Wiccan, a follower of “an earth religion” which she said respects all life. 

Koukl said, “Then I suppose you’re pro-life.” But she made it clear she was pro-choice. 

He asked her why unborn life wasn’t a type of life she respected, and she looked confused, admitting she wasn't sure. 

Because of the line of people waiting, Koukl couldn’t pursue it further, but he left her with a seed of doubt about her paganism.(2) 

This made me think of a few situations where I’ve immediately disagreed when a Christian promoted a half-truth belief in a Bible study. I haven’t been rude, but my bluntness didn’t promote discussion. 

I want to adopt a Proverbs 15:1 attitude in future discussions, pausing to ask appropriate questions that will hopefully make the other person think about their illogical beliefs. Even if I don't convince the other person, perhaps I can plant seeds of doubt that will gradually change their views.

There are many half-truth lies circulating in the world and in the church. Let’s be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

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See What It Means to Be as Shrewd as Snakes. 

I'm excited about my book, Lies in Disguise, which will be released in October '25. It offers biblical answers for uncovering the errors in half-truth beliefs. 

(1) Tactics, by Gregory Koukl, copyright 2009, 2019 Zondervan Reflective, pages 27-31. You can read the full story on Amazon. Just click “Read sample” under the picture of the book. The sample includes these pages.

(2) John 4:35-38 explains that some people sow seeds for the gospel and others reap the benefits. Even if we don't share the full gospel message, we are planting seeds that can lead to a person's salvation. There were a number of people and circumstances in my life that brought me to faith. 

BLN