Experience the Wisdom of ProverbsНамуна

Foolish Contradictions?

Proverbs 26 contains a classic example of what many believe to be a contradiction in the Bible. A contradiction are two statements that seem to say the opposite of each other. It is especially problematic if the Bible contains contradictions because we believe the Bible continues truth from God. If statements in the Bible tell you to do opposite things, how do you know which statement is “true.” Furthermore, if we conclude that the contradicting statement is not true, how can we trust the rest of Scripture? The statements we are talking about are in verses 4 and 5. In v. 4, Solomon tells us not to answer a fool because we will also become foolish. In v. 5, however, Solomon says to correct a fool so the fool can become wise. So which is it?

Rather than being a classic example of a contradiction in the Bible, Proverbs 26 is actually a classic example of how the book of Proverbs works! Proverbs, while containing God’s wisdom, should not be seen as being true all the time, in every circumstance. Instead, all of the Proverbs we have read so far are principles that are generally true and descriptions of how the world usually works or should work. For instance, Proverbs 10:4 teaches that lazy people have a hard time gaining wealth. Is this true in most cases? Yes! But are there exceptions –times when lazy people acquire great wealth? Also yes! Proverbs are meant to guide us in how the world, in general, works.

Proverbs 26:4-5 is a great example of needing to use discernment, or wisdom, to decide which approach to take when answering a fool. Do you answer a fool or not? Well, according to v. 5, there are times when you should help a fool see their mistakes because they are open to receiving feedback and your correction will actually help them become more wise! But according to v. 4, there are people in your life who have no desire to hear the truth, and instead of embracing your feedback, will just argue with you. The longer you argue with them, the more foolish you become. This is how both v. 4 and v. 5 can be true – depending on your circumstance!

Bottom Line: We must use discernment to determine how to properly apply the book of Proverbs.

Experience-

Regarding foolish people and correction, is there someone in your life that you consistently try to correct that usually ends in an argument? If so, ask God to give you the patience to not engage with them in a foolish way.

Are you the type of person that is able to be corrected? If not, ask God to give you the humility to receive correction from wise people.