(Prov 26:5 NLT) Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.
This morning we cotinue our series entitled, “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” Yesterday we learned that Solomon said, “Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.” However, in the very next verse it seems like Solomon is contracdicting himself and telling us HOW to answer a foolish argument. First of all, this is not a contradiction. We all know that whether we like it or not, we will have to address foolish arguments from time to time. What Solomon’s proverb does for us today is tell us how to do so. But as to the arrangement of the proverbs, we must remember that Solomon did not write this chapter, so he more-than-likely did not say these proverbs right behind each other. Chapters 25 through 29 are a compilation of the proverbs of Solomon that were documented by the men of king Hezekiah. These were proverbs that Hezekiah found useful during his tenure as king and he was careful to preserve these sayings for the generations who would follow. My point in highlighting this is that I don’t believe Solomon said (or wrote) verses 4 and 5 together. Solomon probably said them at different times and Hezekiah’s men put them together for us. So it is still wise to avoid a foolish argument, but if you have to answer a fool, do so in such a way that you expose his foolishness, so he does not walk away thinking he is justified in his error. I will give you two examples of this from the life of Jesus.
The Pharisees and Sadducees were not happy at all with Jesus’ ministry. Jesus was an extremenly popular man and He was interrupting the spiritual monopoly the Pharisees and Sadducees had previously enjoyed. So the Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus in an attempt to trap him; wanting Jesus to perform a miracle for them in order to show God’s approval of His ministry. First of all, this is foolish, because the Pharisees and Sadducees believed God approved of them and they NEVER performed any miracles. But Jesus answered, “When the sun is setting, you say, ‘We are going to have fine weather, because the sky is red.’ And early in the morning you say, ‘It is going to rain, because the sky is red and dark.’ You claim you can predict the weather by looking at the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs concerning these times! How evil and godless are the people of this day! You ask me for a miracle? No! The only miracle you will be given is the miracle of Jonah” And then He walked away (see Mat 16:1-4). They wanted to trap Jesus, but He trapped them. The onus was now on the Pharisees and Sadducees to figure out what Jesus meant… looking foolish because they couldn’t.
Another time Jesus was teaching in the Temple, after having performed many miracles. The leading priests and elders approached Him and demanded, “By what authority are You doing all these things? Who gave You the right?” Jesus replied, “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question. Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?” They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, He will ask us why we didn’t believe John. But if we say it was merely human, we’ll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet.” So they finally replied, “We don’t know.” To which Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things” (see Mat 21:23-27). Once again, they were left looking foolish because they could not answer Jesus’ question.
So what does this mean to you today? It simply means that if you do have to answer a fool, be sure to expose their foolishness. This way their foolishness is not validated and they will think twice next time before confronting a child of God unprepared.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for Your grace. Your grace and wisdom enable me to know what to address and what to ignore. On those occasions that I have to address a foolish argument, You give me the wisdom to do so in such a way that I am protected from the attack and the foolisness is exposed for what it is. You give me wisdom beyond my years and because of it, I am sought after for answers to challenging problems. Thank You Father for supernatural wisdom. I walk in it daily! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
