Prov. 26:4-5

"Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes." Prov. 26:4-5

Just when you think you have the Word of God figured out a pair of verses like today's jumps up and bites us! "Do not answer... Answer..." What is a man to do? Like I tell my bible study class before, "Let's take a dig a little deeper."

The obvious observation is that Solomon is out of his mind. One of his wives must have given him a hard time the night before he came up with this word of wisdom. Which are we to do? Answer the fool or don't answer him?

The first verse seems to indicate that we should not answer him. Why? "You will be like him." Hummm. If a fool comes up with some sort of idiotic statement or idea and we play along with him, wouldn't we look like a fool... just like he does? On the other hand, the proverbialist tells us to answer a fool! Why? So that the fool's actions are made apparent to him and he realize that those actions are not in any way wise. We want to educate the fool. We want to improve his state. It is not impossible... just difficult.

It seems that Solomon knew what he was talking about. Our response to the fool determines whether we have become like him or helped him out of his foolishness. While the proverbs seem contradictory, they are actually complimentary... like two pieces of the puzzle that appear to be incompatible, until they are turned in just the right relationship. Then they fit perfectly! Amen and Amen.