Proverbs 26: When Should You Answer a Fool? – Mike Hanisko lifehopeandtruth.com

There is a Proverb that at first glance might seem contradictory (Proverbs 26:4-5). It reads, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly.” Yet, the very next verse reads, “Answer a fool according to his folly.” Actually, these two verses are not contradictory, but a closer study shows that they are complementary. When to apply either verse, the principle taught by what either verse teaches, depends on the set of circumstances. These verses contain principles of wisdom that we need to learn to wisely apply in answering other people’s questions, so how do we do this? The last part of each verse explains the meaning of these verses. Once we understand this, we can see that the verses are practical, and wise when applied correctly. Verse four reads, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.” The last part of the verse instructs us not to degrade ourselves by stooping to the fool’s level in an argument. In other words, we are not to become foolish the way the fool is. Our response cannot be on the same level as the fool’s. Verse five reads, “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.” In this case – if you do not answer his question – he is going to think he is wise. He will think he “won” the argument. To protect the truth the fool must be answered. Our answer must not be foolish, like the fool’s contention, but must be based on the hope that lies within us, regardless of the fool’s ridicule. There is no contradiction but rather much wisdom in these two verses. Wisdom we need to apply in our daily lives.