Proverbs Devotion - Day 26

In today’s chapter, we find a well known coupling of verses. Verses 4-5 seem to say the opposite. Do we answer a fool or do we not answer a fool? Is this is a contradiction? Is this inconsistent? How can both be true? This question has caused biblical interpreters to ask many questions. But when we look at what each verse is saying, we can see first, there is no contradiction. So, let’s look at the verses to see what the Lord is teaching us to do. 

First, it is interesting that whomever compiled Proverbs placed these two verses side by side on purpose. Often proverbs address the same subject can be dispersed throughout, seemingly at random. But here, these two that obviously address the same situation, are placed side by side. We can only surmise this is for a reason. It would have been easier to hide the connection had they been spaced chapters apart. But that’s not how God wanted it to be. 

I’ll go ahead and state my point. To know whether you need to answer a fool in his folly or not to answer him calls for discernment. There may be a situation where someone is so obstinate, so set in his ways, so closed off, or so antagonistic that the best thing to do is to remain quiet. Some opinions or declarations simply need to be ignored. We’ve all known people who are right, no matter what. Even the clearest facts receive a “of course you would say that” or “that’s what they want you to think.” Proverbs wants us to know: sometimes the wisest thing you can do is zip your lip. Especially if that topic or person will get you wound up. One of the worst things a Christian can do is to respond like the world. This is the exhortation of this verse: be quiet so as to “be like him yourself.” Don't lose your testimony. You are not accountable to answer them, but you are accountable to the Lord for HOW you answer. It could be, the best thing for your testimony (and peace) is to walk away or be quiet. 

We see Jesus teach us this in several instances. First, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us: “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” (Matthew 7:6) While we are called to be bold with the gospel, there are people and situations where, to share truth, will only cause more antagonism towards you and the cause of Christ. Another example was in Luke 20:1-8, the chief priests, scribes, and elders asked Jesus who gave him authority to do the things he does. Jesus proposes a question back to them, but they realize that they can’t be truthful in their answer, so  they avoid answering. Jesus then refuses to answer their question because they aren’t being truthful with him. There are situations where, the wisest thing you can do, is be quiet. 

So what does verse 5 mean? This verse provides an alternative situation. There are times where the best thing you can do is answer a fool in his folly. Some examples of when this might be the best course of action: if a coworker is sharing ungodly marriage advice. Or someone is making untrue statements about God, not in angry way but rather in ignorance. Or a friend is complaining about another friend, but they do not have all the information about the situation. Or an unbelieving family member is flaunting sin in front of your children. There are times that sin or wrong information needs to be addressed so that person’s pattern of thinking or living can be corrected. It is very possible they could turn from the sin or not declare untruth moving forward. You could save someone from destruction by opening your mouth and speaking truth. 

In saying this, we are still responsible for how we answer. Ephesians 4:15 says to share the truth “in love”. Love is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). First Corinthians 13 reminds us that, no matter how gifted or wise we may be, if we do not have love, we are no better than a clanging cymbal. We all know those people who say, “I just tell it like it is!” This is not a license to be hurtful, rude, or brash. It is a call to be truthful, honest, direct, but always from a heart of love for that person. Remember: wisdom and humility walk hand-in-hand. It is only by the grace of God at work in your life. We don't have all the answers, but we know the One who does and where it can be found. We can share the love of God and the Word of God. Leave the results up to Him.

You might be thinking: “I’m even more confused now than before I started reading this.” I wish there was a flow chart that just told us when to apply verse 4 and when to apply verse 5. But I haven’t found one yet. What I can tell you is that Christ is with you in every situation. We need to consistent pray for more wisdom and discernment. Luke 2:52 says that, as Jesus grew, “he increased in wisdom”. The more we pursue Jesus, the more we will become more like him. James 1 promises us that, if we ask God for wisdom, He will provide. He will teach us, guide us, and help us know what to do. So in every situation, pray for wisdom and be sensitive to the Spirit. He will guide you when to open your mouth and when it is best to keep it shut.