How long, O simple ones [open to evil], will you love being simple? And the scoffers delight in scoffing and [self-confident] fools hate knowledge? Proverbs 1:22

From time to time, my boys and I engage in a good healthy dose of in-house horseplay. And at some point, the excitement narrows to a finale when I get one of the more prolific pain-invoking aggressors in an immobilizing maneuver. At that moment, with the last bit of energy I have, I bellow the infamous, “You give?!”

Depending on how much more punishment the victim is willing to endure, my request may be met with, “Give!” or “Never!” But rest assured, until he says he’s had enough, I am not letting go. Because these tussles have taught me I am in a world of hurt if I let go.

Now, this is all in good clean dad and son bantering. But the principle of “enough being enough” applies to this Proverb.

I can’t even began to count the times I have visited with a spouse, mom or dad, even teacher who was holding on for dear life to a defiantly destructive soul they cared about. For some, the dynamics were of such that their efforts were proving promising and change was just over the horizon.

However, in many, many cases, foolishness in the heart of the individual left no other option than to cut them loose and let the chips fall. Why? Because for them, enough wasn’t yet enough. And until it is, they will destroy everything in their path, including themselves.

What do you do? I speak for myself here. But I have seen this response work better than anything else in the case of the stubborn: Let them alone.

Then pray for “Enough” to come!

When enough comes, you will know because they will seek wise counsel. And that’s when miracles show up. But not until!