Almost by definition, trolls are intensely critical and negative. If they are appropriately on topic (which often they are not), they will be critical of the content of the article and of the website in general. But of course, such content criticism by itself does not make one an internet troll. However, if they keep the negative accusatory comments coming without anything positive, if they use harsh language, use ad hominem non-arguments and name-calling or are otherwise discourteous, and if they continue to disrupt and uglify the thread, then “troll” is a good word for them. Symbolically speaking, they are like the nasty mythological creatures who live under bridges and lie in wait to grab little children of God.

On VirtueOnline (www.virtueonline.org), I have noticed different types of trolls. First are those who are ‘outsiders’, that is they are not in any sense members of the group sponsoring the website. For example, on VirtueOnline, trolls are generally not orthodox Anglicans but belong to other denominations or religions (or atheism) and are “trolling for converts,” that is, they are proselytizing for their particular belief system. It is not unusual to have Roman Catholics or members of the Eastern Orthodox Church come on board and strongly push their views. Recently there was one such attempt by a member of a Muslim cult. If it is only a single incident and if they leave when confronted with what they are doing, I have a reasonably high tolerance for such trolling behavior. This is because I too evangelize where I can until the gospel message is clearly rejected, then I “shake the dust from my sandals” and move on.

But then there are those offensive types who are essentially wounded beasts; they are simply unable to be anything but bitter, cynical, negative, and judgmental wherever they are. They may have personality disorders, live in denial, and are barely able to discern that they are out of line. They are often isolated in life because no one can stand being around them for long. So they seek attention through the internet. Yes, they do get attention, but it is invariably a defensive or even offensive response to their verbal attacks. For these trolls, negative attention is better than none at all because it gives them a sense of power and importance. They love forcing reactions from others. However, in so doing, they also continue the cycle of rejection by causing just that treatment they expect and blame others for — - treatment which represents the rejection which wounded them in the first place.

Some apparent trolls are really seekers in disguise, so it is important that we not respond to them in kind. We should always avoid lowering ourselves to their level (it is a strong temptation of which I have sometimes been guilty) and we should always take the high road so that we stay (as much as possible) beyond reproach. A brief respectful rebuke and then ignoring them thereafter is often the best strategy.

Answering Fools

The book of Proverbs has much to say about fools (which can include many internet trolls). According to Proverbs, fools despise wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, 22, 10:21, 23:9), they are right in their own eyes (Proverbs 12:15), and they are deceitful (Proverbs 14:8) and scornful (Proverbs 10:23, 14:9). “If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs [sarcastically], and there is no quiet.” (Proverbs 29:9, ESV)

The wise are also given instruction on how to deal with fools. In one answer, we hear that instructing a fool is pointless because his speech is full of foolishness (Proverbs 15:2, 14) and he does not want wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 18:2). Proverbs 14:7-8 tells us to “Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge. The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving” [since not based on truth].

The futility of trying to impart wisdom to a fool is the basis of Proverbs 26:4-5, which tells us two options as to how to answer a fool: ignore them or provide a brief rebuke. These seemingly contradictory verses are actually a common form of parallelism found in the Old Testament, where one idea builds upon another.

Proverbs 26:4-5 (NIV)

Vs 4 - Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.
Vs 5 - Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.

Verse 4 warns against arguing with a fool on his own terms, lest we stoop to his level and become as foolish as he is. Because he despises wisdom and correction, the fool will not listen to wise reason and will try to draw us into his type of disrespectful argument, whether it is by using deceit, scoffing at our wisdom, or becoming angry and abusive. If we allow him to draw us into this type of discourse, we are answering him “according to his folly” in the sense of becoming like him.

However, the phrase “according to his folly” in verse 5 tells us that there are times when a fool has to be addressed so that his foolishness will not go unchallenged. In this sense, answering him according to his folly means to expose the foolishness of his words, rebuking him on the basis of his folly so he may see the illogic of his words and reasoning. Our “answer” in this case is to be one of reproof, showing him the truth so he might see the foolishness of his words in the light of reason. Even though he will most likely despise and reject the wisdom offered to him, we are to make the attempt, both for the sake of the truth which is always to be declared, and for the sake of those who may be listening, that they may see the difference between wisdom and folly and be instructed thereby.

Whether we use the principle of verse 4 and deal with a fool by ignoring him, or obey verse 5 and reprove a fool will depend on the situation and the leading of the Holy Spirit. In general, in matters of relative insignificance, it’s probably better to disregard him. In more important areas, such as when a fool denies the existence of God (Psalm 14:1), verse 5 tells us to respond to his foolishness with words of instruction. To let a fool speak his nonsense without reproof encourages him to remain wise in his own eyes and possibly gives credibility to his folly in the eyes of others. Our explanation of the truth may enlighten listeners who can benefit from the instruction, even if the fool cannot.

Summary

In minor issues we should just ignore fools, but in issues that matter, they must be dealt with so that credence will not be given to what they say. And finally, we must remember that there is one thing worse than foolishness: pride. “Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” (Proverbs 26:12, NIV)

So the best way to deal with a potential troll (who may or may not be a fool): first give them the benefit of the doubt and provide a respectful, gracious, but firm answer. Practically speaking, in any debate, arguments are always heard more accurately and sympathetically when framed by courtesy and respect.

If trolls escalate their attack and their discourtesy, then call them on their inappropriate style (rather than on their content). If they don’t admit to being out of line and don’t tone it down, then it is time to refuse to respond. Leave them be. If they continue to provide inappropriate and disruptive comments, contact the website moderator(s) and let them know.

Final Caveats

The New Testament advises believers to be good examples of godliness. Here are a couple of reminders: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20 (ESV) “… be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:1-2, ESV)

As Jesus said, we shall know the tree by its fruit (Mt 7:15-20). If true believers do the things advised above by James and Titus, then the ugly trolls, by the clear contrast of their negativity and lack of grace, will reveal themselves to be what they are. We don’t need to publicly call them trolls. Likewise, by our gracious behavior we will reveal ourselves to be who we are – children of God. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). It is generally not our well-reasoned arguments but these spiritual virtues which constitute our most powerful witness. As nature has taught us, within good fruit are seeds of regeneration.

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