Proverbs 26:4 says that you shouldn't, to avoid becoming a fool yourself.
Proverbs 26:5 says that you should, so he doesn't go around thinking that he is wise.
Which is right? Is there, perhaps, another scripture that reconciles these two directives?
Please humor this old fool (believe me, I'm guilty of LOTS of folly) with your answers. Thanks.
2007-07-13 09:16:04 · 17 answers · asked by marbledog 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Joel C:
The Hebrew word "kesil" is used for "fool" in both verses. You're correct in saying that anyone can look this up. I did. Apparantly, you did not.
2007-07-13 10:16:10 · update #1
Dang it! Apparantly, I can't spell "apparently".
2007-07-13 10:17:24 · update #2
My quota for accepting foolishness runs out here on R&S. That is probably a bad thing.
A long time ago I promised not to stand by and allow the truth to be murdered in my presence. Some times I regret that choice. Some times I learn that I am the fool, and learning is good if painful.
I say speak, but with that tiny bit of humilty that might just lurk in a man's character. Speak and see who is the fool.
2007-07-13 09:24:47 · answer #1 · answered by Herodotus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brothers' comments:
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.
Source(s):
"Fool"
Insight on the Scriptures, published by Jehovah's Witnesses
http://www.jw.org/en/publications/bible/...
2014-11-18 17:07:09 · answer #2 · answered by Roberta B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These are proverbial expressions speaking of the expected result. That is generally speaking if you answer a fool according to his folly then you will be like him, but on the other hand you will prevent him from being wise in his own eyes."
Thus you are presented with a choice. And it's a matter of wisdom which to chose at a given time.
2007-07-13 17:28:26 · answer #3 · answered by Steve Amato 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you answer a fool with his folly on Yahoo! Answers you will never get the 10 points.
There is so much folly here that it takes a long time to figure out which ones to answer and which ones aren’t worth the typing.
The folly is so tempting, but I try not to be the fool too often.
2007-07-13 16:22:38 · answer #4 · answered by whiner_cooler 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To reconcile these, I would say tha tyou would have to "be innocent, yet clever". It is a matter of how you answer it, not if you should.
Proverbs 26:4-5 (NAS)
Do not answer a fool according to his folly. lest you also be like him. Answer a fool as his folly deserves, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Thus, do not fall into his follishness, but point it out. The passage is telling you that you need to draw the fool out of his foolishness, but to do so in a manner tha tdoes not make you yourself look foolish. Actually pretty good advice I think.
2007-07-13 16:24:12 · answer #5 · answered by Tim 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it means to correct his question, but do not justify him with an answer. I like the following verses where it says that the fool will return to his folly like a dog to his vomit. That describes R&S perfectly.
2007-07-13 16:22:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I answer the fools according to their folly the Christians get all upset about it and report me for a violation.
2007-07-13 16:19:20 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Among alleged contradictions charged, this one wins a major award for silliness. What we have here is not contradiction, but dilemma -- an indication that when it comes to answering fools, you can't win -- because they are fools, and there is no practical cure for foolery (as this citation demonstrates). So: It is unwise to argue with a fool at his own level and recognize his own foolish suppositions, but it is good sometimes to refute him soundly, lest his foolishness seem to be confirmed by your silence.
2007-07-13 16:20:02 · answer #8 · answered by D2T 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think this is the perfect medium for indulging BOTH.
I think you need to evaluate each situation and respond accordingly.
2007-07-13 16:26:52 · answer #9 · answered by Philip H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I forget the exact scripture but it says in the bible "do not return evil for evil."
2007-07-13 16:31:41 · answer #10 · answered by all_stardusty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋