Question: Dear sir, Proverbs 26:4 says, “Do not answer fools according to their folly. . . and verse 5 says “Answer fools according to their folly. . . .” How do you explain this?

Answer: This observation provides a good occasion for considering the manner in which the proverbial material in the scriptures teaches.  The proverbs are artistic generalizations about life that have come from the observation and reflection of the wise.  They are not laws, and sometimes there are exceptions to what is observed.  They represent good advice in light of the divine government of the world and human nature. The phenomenon you mentioned shows that the sages recognized that when dealing with fools, one must exercise caution.  One does not want to lower oneself to the fool’s level and participate with him in his folly, yet the fool must be put in his place and made to see his folly.  The sages call for balance.  This balance is a virtue applicable to many situations in which one must be “in the world” but not “of the world.”  Such situations call for much wisdom indeed (Matthew 10:16).