Do you answer a fool?

Question

PRO 26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

PRO 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

just one of many contradictions in the Bible.......

Answer 1

well I answered you.

Answer 2

There is no contradiction. Before you conclude that it these are contradictory statements you have to find the unifying or reconciling statement or conclusion:

These two can be reconciled as: 'there are 2 things that can happen when you answer a fool in his folly. One, you'll be like him. Two, he will just be conceited if you agree w/ him'.

So, there you are. Reconciled.

Oh by the way, did you read Psalm 14:1? This could answer very well your question.

Answer 3

They aren't contradictions. Proverbs 26:4 is telling you not to be drawn into petty word games, like someone asking you a "yes or no" question that can't be answered with a simple yes or no. (ie: Have you stopped beating your wife?)

Proverbs 26:5 is warning you against falling into the word traps that people lay (ie: puns and innuendo) so that they feel superior because they "caught you" and can stand back and laugh. This is often done when they have an audience.

They aren't contradictions, just two warnings about the same kind of person.

Answer 4

Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Or you will also be like him.
5(H)Answer a fool as his folly deserves,
That he not be (I)wise in his own eyes.

This is in the New American translation which is more textually accurate. These verses are echoed elsewhere in the principle of having an answer which is of Gods truth. And when it comes to unbelievers, dont get sucked into stupid arguments that make no sense. Rather believers need to answer on Gods terms and not the worlds.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. -2 Corinthians 10:5

The Bible neither contradictions in theology nor history.

Answer 5

This is not a contradiction though it may seem so on the surface.

"Answering a fool in harmony with or “according to his foolishness” in the sense of resorting to his degrading methods of argument puts the one so doing in agreement with the fool’s unsound reasonings or ways. In order not to become like the fool in this respect, we are counseled by the proverb: “Do not answer anyone stupid according to his foolishness.” On the other hand, Proverbs 26:4, 5 shows that answering him “according to his foolishness” in the sense of analyzing his contentions, exposing them as being ridiculous, and showing that his own arguments lead to entirely different conclusions from those he has drawn can be beneficial."

Hannah

Answer 6

The first part means don't answer someone according to their own worldview. Some ppl want evidence of God's existence without using the Bible. So, This verse is saying don't cater to that desire, I answer them how I want, using what resources I want, basing my answer in God's wisdom and knowledge. Basically, I don't have to answer someone according to their rules or assumptions, I use God's rules and the assumption that the Bible is true.

The second part of the verse means that I should demonstrate how the fool's line of thinking is folly, and why God's way is correct. Rather than allow them to continue being foolish, I should teach them God's wisdom and show them how they need to live.

Answer 7

You can not read.
Try an easier translation-not everyone can be a Bible scholar.

4 When arguing with fools, don't answer their foolish arguments, or you will become as foolish as they are.

5 When arguing with fools, be sure to answer their foolish arguments, or they will become wise in their own estimation
Prov 26:4-5 (NLT)

Answer 8

Answer a fool to enlightén . The Bible has Man involved of course theres some screwups.

Answer 9

You have to apply common sense as well....this means to pick your battles. One of the big lessons in life is fight the fights you can win.

If answering the fool will only serve to feed into their ego, or bring you down to their level, then better to ignore it.

If answering the fool will make you the better person, and you can do it with grace and dignity, then go for it and put the fool in their place.

Answer 10

YES... carefully!

PRO 26:4 - dont speak to an idiot in an idiotic way unless you want to behave like an idiot yourself

PRO 26:5 - but speak to an idiot in a way he can understand so that he does not behave conceitedly believing himself to be wise

...what makes this a contradiction????

Answer 11

Like I said, this is what happens when a book is written by many people, too many cooks spoil the broth. Some Christians will claim that it is not a contradiction, you know why? Because it is impossible to defeat and ignorant person in an argument.