How do you explain Proverbs 26:4–5, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit”? These two verses seem to be contradictory.

Firstof all, we must insist that the two verses are not contradictory. Contradictionwould imply error. But the Word of God, being from the mind of God, must beinerrant. Nevertheless we must admit that the verses do appear contradictory at first sight. In fact, during theinter-testamental period there were rabbinical councils which met to discussthe canonicity of various books in the Old Testament, and Proverbs came intodiscussion because of Proverbs 26:4–5. It was suggested that the book was self-contradictorybecause of this couplet. But the apparent contradiction was quickly resolved(for more information, see Robert C. Newman, “The Council of Jamnia and the OldTestament Canon,” Westminster TheologicalJournal, vol. 38, no. 3 [Spr 76]:339).

Given the fact that these two statementsoccur side-by-side, we may conclude that they are intentionally paradoxical inorder to teach us an important lesson concerning life, namely, that in ourrelationship with fellow fallen human beings, it is not always possible norprudent to deal in exactly the same way at all times. This is especially so inour dealings with ‘fools,’ such as those who have no regard for God (Ps 14:1),or those who despise wisdom and instruction (Prov 1:7), or those who speakbefore they think (Prov 15:2, 18:7). Not only does one fool differ fromanother, but the circumstances in which we have to deal with fools also differfrom one time to another. Wisdom is therefore needed to know how best to dealwith them. In particular, we need to know when to keep silence and when tospeak and how to speak.

In some cases, it is wise not to be draggedinto conversation with the fool according to direction or tone he has set. Insuch circumstances, it may be wise to keep silent for the moment, or to speakin such a way as to appear to be ignoring the remarks of the fool. Inparticular, if the fool boasts about himself, wisdom would require us not to betempted to boast even if we think he has over inflated himself. Similarly if hespeaks in an abusive manner, wisdom requires the saint not to respond in kind.Otherwise, we would be no better than the fool.

But in other cases, wisdom may dictatethat it is best to confront the fool so that he be not puffed up in conceit andthink that he is right. The guiding principle on which course of action shouldbe taken, should be that which is best for doing good to the fool, to those whohear him, and to the cause of the promotion of truth. Much wisdom is needed toknow which approach is best. So, for example, if you find that being silent maybe deemed by the fool as evidence of weakness of your cause, then answeringback becomes imperative. Or in the case when the fool offers an objection towhat you have said, and believes that his objection is unanswerable, it behovesyou to give a response lest the fool be wise in his own conceit.

These two verses are particularlyinstructive when we are seeking to witness to our colleagues or loved ones.Sometimes, keeping quiet may give us opportunity to speak effectively onanother occasion. Sometimes, keeping quiet may be a betrayal of the truth.Remember to pray for wisdom each time you have occasion to talk to one whom theScripture may describe as a fool.