WHEN TO ANSWER A FOOL
Read Proverbs 26:1-16
Proverbs chapter twenty-six warns against fools and their folly.
Notice this morning, 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 give reasons why you shouldn't answer a fool and why you should answer a fool. One commentator has written these verses are "essentially an 'on the one hand . . . but on the other hand' situation." As verse four reads, there is wisdom in ignoring a fool and his folly, for if you do answer him you have stooped to be like the fool. I'm sure you have said something like this before, "This is so stupid it doesn't even deserve an answer."
On the other hand, according to verse five, there are times when it is good to teach the fool a lesson. Without the lesson, the fool may continue living in his folly and continue to live in an unwise manner while all along he thinks he is acting in wisdom.
The moral of these verses teach us to be careful in how we deal with foolish people. They will always be in our midst.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. What makes one a fool, and what makes a question foolish?
2. What should dictate your remaining silent when asked a foolish question?
3. Have you ever answered a fool in his folly? What was the result?
4. Think of instances when you should answer a fool. Name a few.