2. Finding Wisdom: What Fools Can Teach Us

So we’ve discussed not answering a fool like a fool. In other words, it’s wise not to answer a fool on the fool's level—that is, with foolishness (ignorance, lies, manipulation, and idiocy) just as the fool does, or the fool will drag you down to their level and you will be brothers or sisters in foolishness.

But what about the second part of that wise advice?

The second part says in Proverbs 26:5, “Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.”

Secondly, it says that there will be times that the fool will need to be confronted; if we do not at times confront the fool, then their foolishness will continue unabated.

But the first advice was to not answer a fool, right? So, if we are not to answer the fool, then how can we respond to the fool when we need to?

You can answer the fool; it just advises not to answer according to the fool’s own folly.

In this case, we are advised to present the truth, the facts, and the wisdom of logic and reason to this person so that they, and anyone observing, might have the opportunity to learn, see from a new perspective, understand, grow, and change their foolish ways.

In this sense, it is expected that many will still refuse to hear from any other perception and refuse to listen to any wisdom, facts, or truth offered, and might still detest such, but their foolishness was confronted, and the wisdom, facts, and truth and opportunity to understand from a new perspective were presented.

Everyone has free will to make their own choices, even if those choices are foolish, but everyone will be accountable for their foolishness. This is the cause and effect; a fool should not be exempt from their foolish behavior, lest the fool believe their foolishness is just and acceptable. That’s another reason to discipline children.

Proverbs 22:15 says, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”

I’ve heard it stated, and I believe it to be true that “Children that aren't taught accountability for their actions grow up to become adults that think nothing they do is wrong.” Entitled children become entitled adults.

Once the facts, the truth, understanding, love, and wisdom have been presented, then we walk away; it is now their choice.

A fool is often someone who just doesn’t listen, doesn’t want to understand, doesn’t care, and thinks they are always right.

I say often because if someone is constantly proved right, then that does not make them a fool for being right. A fool is one who purposely ignores what is presented; they ignore facts, they ignore the truth, and they suppress and cancel opposition and differing perceptions that might just reveal their foolishness.

A fool is not the same as ignorance. Ignorance is the lack of knowledge or information; if one does not yet know such information, then one is ignorant, not a fool. A fool is one who knows or who has been presented with the information and knowledge but still chooses to act deceitfully, unwisely, or foolishly.

Like Mark Twain is attributed as stating:

“Never argue [debate] with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.”