A Bible Contradiction? Don't Answer a Fool, Answer a Fool (Prov. 26:4,5)

What to do with fools. Surely, it's always hard dealing with fools! Prov. 26:4,5 say, "Do not answer fools according to their folly, or you yourself will be just like them. Answer fools according to their folly, or they will be wise in their own eyes." Clearly, no proverb is intended to cover every situation. The apparent contradiction here is that proverbs must be appropriately applied. A situation may demand a non-response, while another situation may demand that folly be exposed for what it is. Obviously, this always calls for wisdom. During his trial, Jesus didn't answer questions that could have vindicated himself, while he plainly declared his Messiahship that led to his brutal execution.

A foolish messenger makes the sender look like a fool (Prov. 26:6 cf. Prov 25:13).

The most foolish of all fools is the one who thinks he is wise. Prov. 26:12 says, "Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him." There are degrees of foolishness with intellectual conceit being the most stupid and the hardest to remedy. An extreme example is the worldly wisdom that regards God's wisdom as folly (1 Cor. 1:18-2:5).

The creativity of laziness (Prov. 26:13-16): http://westloop-church.blogspot.com/2010/10/creativity-of-laziness-proverbs-2213_21.html

How damaging and destructive is gossip (Prov, 26:22): http://westloop-church.blogspot.com/2010/10/gossip-goes-down-deeper-than-juicy.html

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The Creativity of Laziness (Prov 22:13)

The Ingenious Sluggard: Prov 22:13 says, "The sluggard says, 'There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets.'" A lazy person has no idea they are lazy, just as a proud person has no idea how proud they are. To avoid work, the lazy think that something horrible would happen to them if they left the house to work. They are clueless that what would kill them is not the imaginary lion of their lame excuses, but the reality of their poverty.

Honor & Recognition: Prov 22:1 says, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Everyone desires a good name, even crooks and gangsters. But how easily are we deceived and enticed by silver or gold. A good name is always attained through righteousness (with God) and kindness (toward others). Jesus gives us an even greater motivation and source of joy than our sense of honor by being praised and recognized and commended by men. It is our eternal salvation, for our names are written in heaven (Lk 10:20).


Knocking nonsense out of a child: Prov. 22:15 says, "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him." Without loving discipline, a cute innocent child will grow up to be a fool. Prov 13:10, 24 - Wisdom is Found in Those Who Take Advice.



30 sayings: Prov 22:17-24:22 contain 30 sayings (77 proverbs) that were spoken by godly men and compiled by Solomon. Prov 22:17-21 introduces this section, similar to Prov 1:1-7. The 1st 5 sayings are:

1. Protect the poor (Prov. 22:22,23)
2. Avoid the angry (Prov. 22:24,25)
3. Pledge carefully (Prov. 22:26,27)
4. Don't steal (Prov. 22:28)
5. Observe the skillful (Prov. 22:29)

Prov 22:1-29 Daily Devotional by Don Carson

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