Proverbs 13, 14

The book of Proverbs has much to say about fools and wise men. Here we find clear instruction on identifying the behavior of fools and how to deal with them. One has to look no further than one’s TV to behold loads of folly.

The rub can come when we try to dialogue with a fool. For instance, we read, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.” That probably means, “Do not answer [nor pretend to agree with the frivolous comments of] a [closed-minded] fool according to his folly.” [Pr. 26:4]

Also, “Answer [and correct the erroneous concepts of] a fool according to his folly, Otherwise he will be wise in his own eyes [if he thinks you agree with him].” [Pr. 26:5]

It appears that we have those critical moments of dialogue to draw attention to true wisdom rather than besetting foolishness.