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Answers
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him” (Proverbs 26:4).
“Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit” (Proverbs 26:5).
To the casual reader, these two statements at first seem to contradict one another. However, that is impossible, as there are no contradictions in the Bible and no verse of Scripture negates the truth or principle of another.
The lesson we learn from these two statements that appear back to back in the Word of God is this: Sometimes we need to give an answer and sometimes we just need to hold our tongue.
If we recognize that the question is asked to just stir up strife or cause an argument, then perhaps it is better not to answer. “Avoid foolish questions … for they are unprofitable and vain” (Titus 3:9). However, sometimes there is need for an answer so that the person doesn’t go unchallenged and, as a result, glory in his own self-assurance and conceit. We see in the life of the Lord that He sometimes answered those who came with shallow and unlearned questions, and sometimes He did not. He alone can give us wisdom to know when to speak and when not to.
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