How can we wisely "answer a fool" without becoming like them? Living with the Tension of Proverbs 26:4–5 Proverbs 26:4 tells us, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.” Proverbs 26:5 then commands, “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.” These paired instructions form a wise tension: refuse to mirror a fool’s methods (v. 4) yet still give a corrective reply that exposes folly (v. 5). Who Scripture Calls “a Fool” - One who says in his heart, “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1). - One who rejects discipline and instruction (Proverbs 1:7). - One who is “wise in his own eyes” (Proverbs 26:12). Recognizing the heart posture—rather than mere lack of knowledge—keeps us from mislabeling someone who is merely uninformed. Why Answer at All? ‐ “Lest he become wise in his own eyes” (Proverbs 26:5). Silence can confirm him in arrogance. ‐ Love compels rescue: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1). ‐ Truth protects observers. A public error left unchecked can mislead the simple (Proverbs 14:15). Guardrails So We Don’t Become Like the Fool 1. Check the motive • Aim for restoration, not humiliation (2 Timothy 2:24–25). • Seek God’s glory, not personal victory (1 Corinthians 10:31). 2. Check the manner • “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). • Avoid the quarrelsome tone the fool uses (2 Timothy 2:23). • Keep speech “full of grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). 3. Check the medium • Some debates belong in private (Matthew 18:15). • Public correction is warranted when the error is public (Titus 1:13). 4. Check the measure • Address only the point of folly; don’t spray shrapnel. • Concede what is true; refute what is false (Acts 17:22–23, 31). 5. Check the mindset • Remember we once walked in darkness too (Ephesians 2:1–3). • Rely on the Spirit, not sheer logic, to open eyes (John 16:8). Practical Steps for Wise Replies - Pause and pray before speaking (James 1:19). - Clarify the fool’s claim in his own words; this shows you listened and prevents straw-man replies. - Use Scripture as final authority: “For the word of God is living and active…” (Hebrews 4:12). - Employ illustration or story that parallels the folly; Nathan’s parable to David (2 Samuel 12:1-7) models this. - End with a call to consider truth, not merely a mic-drop line. Biblical Examples to Emulate - Jesus silencing Sadducees by exposing their scriptural ignorance (Matthew 22:29–32). - Paul on Mars Hill, quoting poets yet pivoting to the resurrection (Acts 17:28–31). - Michael the archangel, who “did not presume to bring a slanderous charge” but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 9). When Silence Is the Wiser Course - When the fool is hardened and pearls will be trampled (Matthew 7:6). - When your own heart is hot and words would be bait into wrath (Proverbs 29:11). - When a peaceful withdrawal honors truth better than endless wrangling (Titus 3:10). Summing Up Answer a fool—yes—but do so in a way that: • Exposes his folly without echoing it, • Protects listeners without inflaming quarrels, and • Communicates truth with humility, courage, and love. By walking these scriptural guardrails, we obey Proverbs 26:5 while steering clear of the pit warned about in Proverbs 26:4. |
    |