To answer or not to answer

To answer or not to answer

Scripture:- Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit Proverbs 26:4-5

Observation: These two verses seem to contradict each other and indeed boggle the mind at first read. One author actually places this in his book as one of the contradictions in the Bible.

After thinking about these verses, I believe the verse is first speaking about in general, and then in specific. Generally, it is a waste of time to answer fools. The more we argue with them, the more we will become like them. In general, it is not worth it to sink down to their level and start arguing. Some fools actually get an ego boost when they think they have found a worthy thing to argue about. I once had a friend who just loved to argue, and contradict what others said. After a while, we realized there was really no point trying to talk to him. Jesus also said “neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you”.

As for the second verse, there are some fools that we deeply care about. It could be a husband or wife or child or family member or close friend and we need to correct them if they are wrong. Because of the special relationship they have with us, it is possible that they will hear us and not remain conceited and wise in only their own eyes. I think the key here is to choose our battles. We can’t try to win every battle, but if we can drum in the important points at the right time, perhaps we can win the war and help make the fool a wiser person. However, we must choose our timing carefully. There was once a lady who prayed to the moon year after year. One day her young granddaughter came and innocently told her “Popo, why are you so silly? People have already walked on the moon” After that, she was never seen praying to the moon again….

Application: In general, don’t argue with people who have already set their mind on something and will never back down. In special circumstances, answer a fool for the fool’s sake at the right time, praying they will realize the truth.

Prayer: Lord, help me to have the wisdom not to argue unnecessarily, but to say choice words of season at the right time that will help others.

In Jesus name, Amen