Do not answer a fool according to his folly, else you also will be like him. Proverbs 26:4, TLV
Do We Answer Foolishly? How does one answer a fool according to his folly? A folly is defined as a lack of good sense. It’s also defined as a costly building with no practical purpose. When someone acts in a foolish manner, do we respond by mocking them or do we offer them a wise option?
To speak or not to speak . . .
It’s probably easier to simply ignore a fool and let them go on their merry way — and sometimes that is the wise thing to do. However, as a “recovering fool,” there were milestones moments when wise souls gently corrected me. I may not have altered my behavior immediately, but seeds were planted. And, if their life reflected GOD’s wisdom, I would take note.
Eventually, those milestones led me to hunger for the Creator of the Universe’s wisdom and set me on that wisdom journey.
It’s worth noting that we now have an open arena for answering a 
fool foolishly — social media. Otherwise gracious people can behave in irrational, foolish ways which then promote other responses that are the opposite of Godly.
In these controversial scenarios, there is seldom anything positive that results in reacting. In fact, it’s time-consuming, raises the blood-pressure, and produces no viable outcome. A costly endeavor with no practical purpose.
Perhaps I’m naive, but I have hope for the souls in my life that struggle with foolishness. So, I will still try. A good rule when we encounter foolish behavior is: if we can’t speak wisdom, then don’t speak at all. After all: “. . . even a fool who keeps quiet is considered wise . . .” (Proverbs 17:28)
May we answer wisely, my friends.
Think More About It
Do you have a “fool” in your life? How have you dealt with them? What have you learned in the process?
Thanks for stopping by. This blog was a bit awkward to write, so if you’ve read all the way through, I’m encouraged. Be sure to share your thoughts and insights, and if you can, please share this blog with your friends and family.
