Proverbs 26:4 - Meaning and Application

Here we see the wise balance of Scripture, which may seem to contradict itself at first, but really does not. Wise people need guidance on how to deal with fools, and they need wisdom most of all in these situations. They must know when to stay silent and when to speak, because there is a place for both.

In some cases, a wise person should not answer a fool according to his folly. If the fool boasts, do not boast back. If he rants and speaks angrily, do not return the same kind of anger. If he tells a big lie, do not answer with another lie. If he slanders your friends, do not slander his. If he mocks and taunts, do not answer in his own style, or you may become like him, even though you know better and have been taught better.

In other cases, a wise person should use wisdom to show the fool his error. This is especially true when answering may do good, or at least stop more harm, either to yourself or to others. If your silence will be taken as weakness in your case, then answer him. Give an answer suited to the person, that is, one that meets him where he is. If he says something that sounds like an argument, answer that point. If he thinks his claim cannot be answered because you stay silent, then speak up, so he does not become proud in his own eyes or think he has won. Wisdom’s children must show that wisdom is right (Luke 7:35).