When should someone feel obligated to reply?

[Jacob]

When should someone feel obligated to reply to someone else?

Should we if they ask us for a reason of a hope that is in us? Should we if they are seeking to better understand how to stand by the Creator and we have personal knowledge that can help them do that? What if it would be in the course of a vain debate or we think directly answering what they ask will do more harm than good? What if it is someone who is a very outspoken enemy of the Creator or a demonic spirit? Is there anyone who exists who it would be wrong to say anything to because of who they are? What would technically be casting pearls before swine?

I might have felt hurt in a way lately myself as a result of being ignored or something like that, but I have got caught up in forum debate in the past and I have wondered who it was wrong to speak to in general because of who they were or personal circumstance or something like that maybe. When is it right and when is it wrong to ignore someone? When is it wrong and when is it right to reply? Any opinions? Relevant verses below?

"3:15 But set apart YHWH Elohim in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Messiah." -http://yahushua.net/scriptures/1pet3.htm

"3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain." -http://yahushua.net/scriptures/titus3.htm

"7:6 Give not that which is set-apart unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." -http://yahushua.net/scriptures/matt07.htm

[Cyprium]

I think the scripture you posted and a few more answers it best....

"3:15 But set apart YHWH Elohim in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"

When someone wants to know why you are different, as a believer...this is perhaps the most oportune time to give the glory due to YHWH in the audience of someone who needs Him. There might never be a good time not to answer that.

""3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain." "

And when isn't debate in vain...? It is especially when it involves two believers, i think...when all that is in common (which is eternal) is layed aside for argument (which is thankfully temporary)

""7:6 Give not that which is set-apart unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.""

We all know what this is. Some will not hear the gospel...they mock it, they spit in His face and revile His people. It is, truly, their loss and that's a shame...but His message is holy and His sacrifice need not be abused by the mouths of people who act like pigs. Yes, we need to give the gospel message to the lost, but we also need to know when it's been refused. - "And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. " Luke 9:5

Sometimes we know that an answer will be a stumblingblock to our brother..."But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak." 1 Cor. 8:9

But here's a completely different angle on not getting a desired response from others....to what extent is our offense at such a thing a possible sin in itself? Being offended can be a sin...in fact, might always be a sin unless it is offense taken for His Name's sake. Being hurt is not quite the same, but perhaps we always need to give others the benefit of the doubt that we, ourselves would like.