To Answer the Fool or Not Answer the Fool

That is the question…

We are in a very interesting stage in Christian history where we are facing biblical prophecy coming to pass at a rapid rate.

Part of this prophecy is the matter of the apostate church and the hearts of most turning cold. Many don’t want to hear sound doctrine any longer. Many prefer to argue with foolish wisdom of the world – in flesh terms, rather than turning to the Word and working out their salvation with fear and trembling.

So how do we respond in this hour?

Let’s turn to the Word.

Does Proverbs contradict itself here when answering this question; ‘should we answer the fool?’

Proverbs 26:4-5 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.

In one verse we are instructed not to answer the fool or we will become just like him and then in the next verse we are instructed to answer lest he be made wise in his own eyes.

Let’s remind ourselves of what the Word says in Ecclesiastes 3:7… ‘…a time to be silent and a time to speak’.

Ah, that explains it then!

The Bible here is quite clear. There is a time to answer the fool and a time to be silent and not answer.

When we do answer, we must answer a fool with wisdom. As a believer, we have the wisdom of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), and need to conduct ourselves in such a way that we are being a good witness for Jesus, even when, and especially when, it is with those who disagree with truth.

When Jesus answered a fool, He was always very careful not to cast pearl before swine and only answered if it were to profit those who were listening (those standing within earshot), and perhaps sometimes it was also necessary to answer the fool if it would profit them – lest they be made wise in their own eyes (lest they believe they are right). This was, and is today, God’s faithfulness in giving a warning to those who were/are rejecting the truth.

So let us be led by the Holy Spirit, who will lead and guide us with how to respond in this hour we find ourselves. This hour calls for much patience of the saints – preaching to myself here first, always.

Blessings,

-- By Judah Ayling