Foolish Fools
4
Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools,
or you will become as foolish as they are.
5
Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools,
or they will become wise in their own estimation.
6
Trusting a fool to convey a message
is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison!
Proverbs teaches that fools hate wisdom (1:7, 1:22, 10:21, 23:9) and don't care about gaining understanding (18:2). In Proverbs 26:4-5, we find two verses that seem to contradict each other, but actually complement each other. The first warns us not to lower ourselves to a fool's level by engaging in their kind of argument, which often involves deceit, mockery, or anger. If we do, we end up looking just as foolish.
However, verse 5 tells us that there are times when we should challenge a fool. To answer "according to his folly" means we need to point out the foolishness of their words, so they and others can see how ridiculous their argument is.
In short, ignore a fool if their foolishness isn't causing harm, but speak up if their words could lead to a bad outcome. And remember, verse 7 advises against using a fool to deliver important messages.
As Plato once said, “Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they just want to talk.”
Let me ask you: Do you have something meaningful to say?
Struggle to Standing. Available on Amazon. https://a.co/d/ev3YUqw
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