Does Proverbs 26:4 contradict verse 5?

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by 77150

So how does this apply to the LRC?

Many saw abusive acts done in the LRC but kept quiet because they didn’t want to be like the abusers. (The Meek will inherit the earth?) However the result was that the folly increased and more saints were abused. (Please note in this discussion I am using abuse to refer to the type of abuse TC dished out not PL).

I think Proverbs is very clear, if you have someone like TC you are better off not responding to the abuse lest you also become like him. However, if that does not become tenable at some point you have to rebuke him so that he will not be wise in his own conceit, though that might necessitate your exit from the LC.

Why would you be concerned with him being wise in his own conceit? One reason would be you see that he is causing damage to others. I have seen saints do this on numerous occasions (rebuke leading ones who were foolish).

This is quite an interesting observation. My initial thought was that those who witnessed abuse kept quiet because ...

1. They were taught that it was the "spiritual" way to perfect brothers in the recovery
2. They were taught that the brother (either WL or TC or any others) was god's deputy authority in the church
3. They were in fear of offending the deputy lest they receive more serious judgment, as Meriam and Ham did
4. They were also in fear that, by opening their mouth, they would "get it" next. Fear is a powerful deterrent for sure.

I'm also surprised that 77150 would link folly with abuse. I'm not sure if any "kept silent" because they did not want to be like the abuser. Most held the abuser's power in awe. Unconsciously, many learned bad habits watching their abuse. Bullies do tend to reproduce bullies. I have seen too much of that in others and even in myself, sorry to say.


Your application of "folly" in Proverbs 26 to LC leaders is an interesting one.