Thursday
Dec112003
Mixed messages
Thursday, December 11, 2003 at 11:30AM When arguing with fools, donít answer their foolish arguments, or you will become as foolish as they are. (Proverbs 26:4) When arguing with fools, be sure to answer their foolish arguments, or they will become wise in their own estimation. (Proverbs 26:5)Proverbs shows us that there's no textbook answer on how to deal with fools. If you confront them, you sometimes end up joining them. If you don't confront them, they get away with their foolishness. I wish there were a textbook answer.
Reader Comments (3)
This is one of those dicotomies I get stuck in frequently.:^)
This may just be a translation problem. NASB: Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him. Answer a fool as his folly deserves, That he not be wise in his own eyes. The Message: Don't respond to the stupidity of a fool; you'll only look foolish yourself. Answer a fool in simple terms so he doesn't get a swelled head. BibleGateway.com to the rescue! McMe
I think it's meant to be contradictory on purpose. (It is pretty contradictory in the original, and it's not accidental that they're side by side.) Which proverb is right? Both, of course! The only trick is one works sometimes, the other one the rest of the time. Take your pick. Such is life - so few failproof guidelines!