Devotionals Praise and Prayer

Clearing Biblical Confusion - Answering a fool – imsold4christ

Imsold4christ

Member

Posts: 305
From: Gresham, OR, US
Registered: 01-20-2001
 		Well, it's another week and no one has posted another devotional, so I'll do another. This one's shorter though.

I got stuck on this one until someone e-mailed me something from a commentary on it. Take a look for yourselves...

Proverbs 26:4 (NIV)
Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you will be like him yourself.

Proverbs 26:5 (NIV)
Answer a fool according to his folly,
or he will be wise in his own eyes.

Man! Two verses, one right after another that seem to contradict each other. And no, I’m not taking it out of context, go and read the passage yourself in whatever translation you wish.



Ready for the answer yet?




The truth is, these verses are complementary rather than contradictory. Although it is unwise to argue with a fool at his level and to recognize his foolish suppositions, there are occasions when it is best to refute him soundly, lest his foolish opinions seem to be confirmed.

Get it?

†Caleb†

PS: Don't you just love those "Aha" moments?

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"True friendship is not characterized by the absence of conflict, but by the ability to resolve conflict."
Krylar

Administrator

Posts: 502
From: MD, USA
Registered: 03-05-2001
 		I remember that one well That was a tricky one, for sure.

Thanks for sharing these!

-Krylar

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