"Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes." (Prov. 26:4-5)
At first glance, this passage seems to be contradictory. On one hand, Solomon tells us not to answer a fool according to his folly, but then on the other hand he says that we should answer a fool according to his folly. Is this a blatant contradiction in the word of God, or is there a way to harmonize the two thoughts? As always, harmony can be achieved here.
In verse four, Solomon qualifies the statement by saying "lest you also be like him." In other words, we're not to react to fools in a foolish way. Then we're no better than they are. And if we're not careful, we may end up becoming like them.
In verse five, Solomon qualifies the statement by saying, "lest he [the fool] be wise in his own eyes." Here, the point is that we're to answer fools so that they don't become more arrogant than they already are. If you don't respond to a fool, he may think that he is right and justified, but if you answer him, you might at least shut him up.
So what is the ultimate point of this passage? Answer a fool and show him that he is wrong, but be careful lest you become foolish yourself. Show him that he is wrong, but don't get so wrapped up in a foolish dispute that you begin to act foolishly.
See, it does harmonize after all.
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