Answering a Fool

October 29

Lamentations 1-2

Psalm 119:49-56

Proverbs 26:4-7

Hebrews 8:7-13

Answering a Fool

“Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishness or you’ll be like him yourself.  Answer a fool according to his foolishness or he’ll become wise in his own eyes.”  Proverbs 26:4-5 HCSB

These two verses seem to contradict each other, but an examination of related scriptures in Proverbs can help us understand the message Solomon is trying to convey.  There are times when it is best to just ignore a fool.  He does not know what he is talking about and if you try to argue with him, it will do no good.  Arguing with someone about things that don’t matter is futile.  He will not listen to wise reason and will try to draw you into an argument to prove his point.  If you stoop to his level, you will end up looking like a fool yourself.   However, there are times when a fool needs to be challenged.  There are matters of importance that cannot be ignored.  In those cases, it is important to confront the fool and point out his foolishness.  A foolish person will most likely reject your argument, but he may recognize the wisdom of your words and change his mind and those listening will benefit from seeing the sharp contrast between wisdom and foolishness.  If we do not speak up regarding important issues, he will think he is wise and continue in his own ignorance.  It requires wisdom to know when to respond by ignoring the fool and when it is necessary to speak up.  There are some principles we can follow when dealing with people who are foolish. 

1.      We need to recognize that fools despise wisdom.  They are not interested in truth.  (Proverbs 1:5-7, 22, 12:15, 23:9)

2.     Fools are not honest.  They will lie, deceive, and say anything to prove their point.  You cannot trust them.  (Proverbs 10:18-19, 12:22-23, 29:20, 18:6-7)

3.     Fools enjoy arguing for the sake of arguing.  Their convictions are often not as strong as their desire to win the argument.  (Proverbs 18:2-3, 29:8-9, 20:3)

4.     It is unwise to become friends with a fool.  (Proverbs 13:20, 14:7, 29:9)

5.     A fool is reckless and careless in his actions and words. (Proverbs 14:16, 18:13, 16:22, 22:3, 29:11)

Prayer and a humble heart are necessary to discern the best way to deal with a foolish person.  God will give you wisdom and the right words to say to bring peace instead of fueling the fire.