To Answer a Fool or Not?

"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him" (Proverbs 26:4)

"Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit" (Proverbs 26:5)

Proverbs 26:4-5 is a very curious passage. The inspired writer first advises us not to give an answer to fools. In the very next verse, he then advises us to give an answer to fools. At first glance, it appears to be contradictory. However, when we are faced with individuals who pose controversial questions, I believe many of us may have personally experienced this very dilemma: should I reply or keep quiet? The answer is not always so straightforward. Nevertheless, let us gather some Biblical principles to help us discern the right time to speak and the right time to be silent.

Times to stay silent:

1. Avoid questions that go nowhere

“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain” (Titus 3:9)

On one hand, we need to be ready to give an answer to those who ask us about our faith (1 Peter 3:15). On the other hand, there are foolish questions that we need to avoid, because they are unprofitable (Titus 3:9). There are certain controversial questions that are not meaningful in any way. There are questions that are not asked with sincere motives, but rather, to stir up trouble.  For such cases, it is perhaps better not to waste our precious time and attention, and instead, we should just keep quiet and move on.

In this regard, Jesus gave us an example to follow. Jesus did not answer every question that was thrown His way. The prophet Isaiah had foretold concerning Jesus, that “as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). Indeed, when Jesus was brought to trial before the Jewish council and Pontius Pilate, He responded to their questions with silence (Luke 23:9). There really was no point for Jesus to say anything, because the unjust Jews had already made up their minds that they wanted Jesus crucified. Just as Jesus kept silent, sometimes we just need to keep quiet too.

2. Avoid questions that stir up unnecessary strife

“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes” (2 Timothy 2:23)

Sometimes, strife is unavoidable. Our faith in Jesus will invite division, even within our own family (Matthew 10:34-36). Sometimes, strife in the church is necessary to weed out the false teachers and black sheep (1 Corinthians 11:19; Romans 16:17). Sometimes, when we dive deep into doctrinal matters, it results in some debate. A healthy debate could even be useful in promoting learning and investigation of certain Bible truths.

However, some conflicts are completely unnecessary and unprofitable for Christians. Paul rebuked the church at Corinth for their internal division and quarrels (1 Corinthians 3:3). The apostle Paul advised Timothy to avoid certain questions that may create strife (2 Timothy 2:23). Hence, we ought to avoid unnecessary strife by avoiding unnecessarily controversial questions/discussions. Unless it pertains to our faith and doctrine, we ought to do our best to preserve the unity of the church (Ephesians 4:2-3).

3. Avoid questions that destroy faith

“Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers” (2 Timothy 2:14)

In Proverbs 26:4, we are advised not to answer a fool, “lest thou also be like unto him.” Sometimes, engaging in debates with foolish people over foolish questions will only make us look foolish too. Furthermore, such debates often lead to flared tempers and raised voices. We do not want to step into the devil’s snare over foolish and unnecessary quarrels.

Within the church, we ought to be careful whenever discussions are raised. There is a difference between healthy debate and ungodly strife. Certain issues are simply controversial and unedifying (2 Timothy 2:16). Hence, to raise up such questions would be like opening a can of worms: it is hard to find closure, and the listeners often leave the class more confused than edified. Such unedifying questions are best avoided.

Times to speak:

1. Speak to save a soul

“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand” (Ezekiel 3:18)

There are people in the world who speak foolish words to blaspheme God’s good name. Some of them may be your friends. Perhaps that is an opportunity for you to say something in order to teach them God’s truth. After all, we are all on the mission to save souls (Luke 19:10). As Christians, we need to speak, so that we can spread the good news of Jesus to all the world (Matthew 28:19-20).

Should we fail to speak, we will be failing in our duty as soul winners. God had warned the prophet Ezekiel that, as a watchman, he had the duty to warn others of the impending danger. If the watchman were to fail in his duty, he would be held accountable for the souls of the dead (Ezekiel 3:17-19). Jesus Himself had called for us to confess Him before men; however, if we would deny Him instead, as Peter did, we would find ourselves in a position of condemnation (Matthew 10:32-33). Let us speak to save souls.

2. Speak to correct an erring brother

“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20)

In Proverbs 26:5, we are advised to answer a fool “lest he be wise in his own conceit.” Unfortunately, foolish people often think they are smart, and fail to realize the foolishness of their words. Sometimes, there may be an opportunity for us to speak, so that we can correct such a person from his foolishness. Hopefully, he will listen with humility and turn away from his foolish ways.

Within the church, sometimes we may encounter a brother or sister-in-Christ who speaks foolish words. We may discover a member of the church who is erring from the faith. We do not want our brethren to be stuck in foolishness. We ought to do our best to help them, so that they may be converted from their error. When we do so, we “save a soul from death” and “hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20). Let us speak to save a brother.

3. Speak to protect the church

“Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” (1 Corinthians 5:6)

The fool might be harmless if no one heeds his words. However, if his foolish words were to negatively influence others, that would be of great concern. The apostle Paul warned that “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6). Sin in the church has the potential to spread. Foolish words have the potential to infect others too. In such instances, we ought to speak to stop the leaven from spreading.

The apostle Paul warned Titus about certain vain talkers and deceivers who were destroying the faith of many through their ungodly words and teachings. Their mouths must be stopped (Titus 1:10-11). We must speak to stop those who preach false doctrines (1 Timothy 1:3). We must speak to stop those who would destroy the faith of the believers with their foolish words (2 Timothy 2:14). Let us speak to protect the church.

Concluding Remarks

There is a time to keep silent, and a time to speak (Ecclesiastes 3:7). There is a time to answer the fool, and a time to answer him not (Proverbs 26:4-5). May we have the wisdom and discernment to speak the right words at the right time.