Proverbs 26:4-5
4Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.
5Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
-Proverbs 26:4-5
What are we to make of this passage? Do we have a contradiction in Scripture in back to back verses? Absolutely not. Much of what the Proverbs do is teach us to be wise in our decisions. Here we are encouraged to make a distinction with fools. There is a time in which we correct a fool, and a time in which we do not. It is by wisdom and spiritual discernment that we know how and when to do that. Should we answer a fool according to his folly in a wrong scenario, we become like him in that we ourselves become as fools, speaking to one who will not receive. Alternatively, as we answer a fool according to their folly, it can help humble him and ready him to receive wisdom. The point of this is that we must discern to whom we distribute. We must discern how we interact with others, both that of the believer and the nonbeliever. So let us pray and seek wisdom from the Lord as we go about. In your interactions today, how would the Lord have you handle your conversations? Seek His face on these matters.
Lest you also be like him.
5Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
-Proverbs 26:4-5
What are we to make of this passage? Do we have a contradiction in Scripture in back to back verses? Absolutely not. Much of what the Proverbs do is teach us to be wise in our decisions. Here we are encouraged to make a distinction with fools. There is a time in which we correct a fool, and a time in which we do not. It is by wisdom and spiritual discernment that we know how and when to do that. Should we answer a fool according to his folly in a wrong scenario, we become like him in that we ourselves become as fools, speaking to one who will not receive. Alternatively, as we answer a fool according to their folly, it can help humble him and ready him to receive wisdom. The point of this is that we must discern to whom we distribute. We must discern how we interact with others, both that of the believer and the nonbeliever. So let us pray and seek wisdom from the Lord as we go about. In your interactions today, how would the Lord have you handle your conversations? Seek His face on these matters.
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