Never Argue with a Fool: The Bible vs The World

Should one argue with a fool?

This is one of those rare subjects when the Bible and world seem to agree: it’s fairly pointless to argue with a fool.

This is a subject which crosses this writer’s mind whenever something particularly foolish comes in the email, pops up in conversation or otherwise comes across his path. Then the question becomes: “Is it profitable to contest this point?”

First, what the Bible says on the topic.

“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.”
—Proverbs 26:4

“If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.”
—Proverbs 29:9

Now, what does the world say?

“Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.”
–Mark Twain

“Never argue with an idiot. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.”
–George Carlin (attributed to several others as well)

So, the Bible and the world seem to both agree: do not argue with a fool. In theory, easy to remember, but much harder to remember in practice.

Now, if only there were an objective fool detector…

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“Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.”
—Proverbs 26:5

NOTE: Some may think that Proverbs 26:4 and 26:5 contradict each other; they do not. They are for different situations. Proverbs 26:4 is for those situations when the topic is not of very much importance: it just doesn’t pay to argue with a fool. Proverbs 26:5 is when the topic is important or there are impressionable ones present. Then, one SHOULD answer a fool and rebuke him so that he doesn’t seem wise in his own eyes.

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by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier

image: ETPR/pd

© Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-15. © Mondo Frazier and End Times Prophecy Report, DBKP 2007-2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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