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15 THINGS THE PROVERBS TEACH ABOUT HOW TO POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA

I recently read an article that hit the nail on the head about Christians posting on social media.  This week I will "post" the first seven of the 15 ways to interact well on social media.

As the 2026 election cycle intensified, I came across a post responding to a candidate’s recent political speech.  Although the writer agreed with part of the speech, the post quickly devolved into a crude and insulting personal attack.  I immediately thought a reminder about how Christians should conduct themselves on social media was needed.

My objection to the comment had nothing to do with my personal opinion of the candidate.  Rather, it concerned the crude, juvenile, thoughtless, and hostile nature of the remark.  I don't know whether the writer professes to be a believer.  But Christians should never engage in political or other discussions in such a manner, especially during the emotionally charged 2026 election cycle.

The Book of Proverbs has a lot to teach us about how to use our tongues, as well as how to use our fingers when typing strongly held opinions in a supercharged political climate.  While social media can be a good place to air ideas and expose ourselves to different views, the book of Proverbs offers at least 15 lessons for interacting well on social media.

  1. Use few words. Proverbs 10:19 "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise." (See also 13:3; 17:27, 21:23).  Keep your posts short.  The more you write, the more likely you’re going to say something unbalanced or downright foolish.
  1. Never insult others. Proverbs 11:12 "He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.  When you’re tempted to make an insulting comment like the guy in the post I told you about, you know you’re in a bad place.  Find something else to do for a while.
  1. Ignore it when others insult you. Proverbs 12:16 "A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame." (See also 19:11).  You might commit to being considerate and respectful in your social media conversations, but that doesn’t mean others will do the same.  So when you feel insulted, just set it aside and act like it didn’t happen. (Easier said than done, I know.)
  1. Avoid rash words. Proverbs 12:18 "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." (See also 29:20).  Rash words are spoken impulsively and quickly, without considering how they might be misunderstood or whom they might offend. Wait before you hit the send button.
  2. Check your facts. Proverbs 14:5 "A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies." (See also 19:9).  Be careful about throwing out facts and figures that are inaccurate or misleading.  And just because you include a link to an academic study doesn’t mean you’re telling the truth.
  1. Be prepared to terminate the discussion. Proverbs 14:7 "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge." (See also 18:2,29:9).  There are times when it will dawn on you that the person you are interacting with is not really interested in gaining knowledge, but only in spewing their opinion.  You're their audience. In that case, it is better to find something better to do with your time.
  1. Be slow to anger. Proverbs 14:29 "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly." (See also 15:18, 16:32, 29:11).  There's a time for righteous anger, for sure, but there's a big difference between righteous anger and a hasty temper.

 Happy and Godly Posting!