[JP-Facebook-Like]
Proverbs 26:4-5 (4) Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. (5) Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

The Bible does not contradict itself. These two verses do not contradict each other, but, rather, they complement each other. Let‘s see the circumstances when to use these verses.

Verse 4 states, answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. To answer the fool’s question or statement, you would be lowering yourself to his level. This could end up in a pointless argument.

In Luke 20:1-8 we can read an example where Jesus was asked by whose authority He did certain things. The Pharisees were not trying to learn anything. Jesus did not answer their question. Because He did not want to be like them, a fool. So, He asked them a question which they could not answer without condemning themselves. Therefore, since the Pharisees could not answer His question, the discussion was dropped.

Verse 5 states, answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. There are times to answer a fool by a foolish answer. This would show just how ridiculous the fools question or statement is. In other words, he would be shown to be wise in his own conceit. 2 Corinthians 11:23 shows an example for us.

2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

There were some men in Corinth who were claiming to be true apostles, but they were not apostles.

2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

Remaining silent would have given a kind of approval of these men, even though there were actually leading the Church astray. They would have appeared wise in their own conceit. Therefore in Verse 23 Paul said, Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool.) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths ofts.

Paul was exposing these men for what they were by answering their false claims so they would not appear wise.

These scriptures are not contradictory. They are two different ways of answering questions and statements of fools. Wisdom is needed to know when and how to apply the principles of these verses. And, wisdom comes from God.