Can anyone explain old testament book of proverbs Chap 26 v4-5 and new testament book of Matthew chap 10 v16?

Question

i would appreciate your honest answers you can email me if you wish with an answer but i would like for others to understand this also... Thanks may God bless

Answer 1

These two verses seem to be in contradiction. But the writer is saying that we shouldn't take foolish people seriously and try to reason with their empty arguments. This will only make them proud and determined to win the argument. In some situations, you ought not to even try to answer fools, for there is no way you can penetrate their closed minds. You may, in fact, be stooping to their level if you do choose to answer. Fools will abuse you, and you will be tempted to abuse them in return. There are other situations where your common sense tells you to answer in order to expose their pride and folly.

The opposition of the Pharisees would be like ravaging wolves. The disciples' only hope would be to look to their shepherd for protection. We may face similar hostility. Like the disciples, we are not to be gulible pawns, but neither are we to be deceitful connivers. We must find a balance between wisdom and vulnerability to accomplish God's work.

Answer 2

Proverbs 26:4-5
Its best not to make a fool of yourself by answering a fool.
BUT if you do choose to answer a fool, show how foolish he is so he won't think he's smart.
Matthew 10:16
I'm sending you as lambs amidst wolves. Be wise, yet innocent as doves.

Both scriptures emphasize the need to ponder before answering.

Answer 3

Proverbs 26: 4-5: Honor is not seemly for a fool. To persuade a fool to loftier goals only brings one down to him.

Matthew 10: 16 Christ had empowered His apostles to go forth to preach, minister, and heal the sick among many that would resent, reject, and cast aside the words conveyed.

Both biblical verses ring ever true today.

Answer 4

Great question...

Your reference to Proverbs:
Verse 4: don't stoop to the fool's level.
Verse 5: a fool's folly must be exposed and denounced.

Your reference to Matthew:
Verse 16: see Romans 16:19

What I take from this: do not be wicked in exposing wickedness.

Answer 5

It means when we answer questions that are given by unbelievers that are foolish and we know that they are being sarcastic and not desiring to know the truth, we also are being fools and sarcastic. That we need to be careful with the questions we answer.

We are in with the wolves. We are to be truthful but be long-suffering without vengeance or guile.

Answer 6

Nobody can explain it since the bible is just a novel, a book of short stories written by man.
Of course everybody will have his or her own opinion, but, the bible is not based on facts, but only faith.

Answer 7

Anyone who does explain it to you will only be interpreting in their own words, just the testament book(s) have been interpreted from interpretations of other interpretation, etc.