Answer a Fool According to His Folly - Proverbs 26:5

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like unto him”, and in chapter twenty-six and verse five of Proverbs Solomon said, “Answer a fool according to his folly” where we read,

Answer a fool according to his folly,

lest he be wise in his own conceit.

The verse begins, “Answer a fool according to his folly, ...” Solomon began with the words, “answer a fool” or “respond, give witness and speak to a person whether male or female who is an arrogant dullard, simpleton and stupid fellow” “according to his folly” which means “in keeping with their silliness and foolishness”. Solomon instructed his readers to respond to a foolish person in keeping with their silliness. 

The verse goes on to say, “... lest he be wise in his own conceit.” Solomon continued with the words, “lest he be wise” or “beware, peradventure and unless he, the person whether male or female, exists as skilled, shrewd and prudent” “in his own conceit” which means “within their own personal physical eye or mental and spiritual faculties”. Solomon said responding to a foolish person's “folly” would keep them from being shrewd and prudent in their own view of themselves. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how this verse seems to contradict the previous one, however, these are two different responses to people who utter foolish arguments. Sometimes, if the person is willing to receive correction, responding to their silly words will help them. The difference between the two people is their willingness to change. God gives us correction as He identifies the foolish sin in our lives which will lead to death. (See Romans 3:10, 23: 6:23), and He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross to pay the price of death for us. (See 2 Corinthians 5:21) When we surrender to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us through His Holy Spirit when and when not to give an “answer” to a person who speaks and acts in a foolish manner. 

Next time Solomon says, “he that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".