Proverbs 26:4-5 "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit."
fool – fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one (Hebrew 3684)
Proverbs 13:16 “Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.”
“Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other.” – Webster 1828
{Verse 4} -When we recognize a situation that involves a person speaking foolishly, we find ourselves in a challenging dilemma. In some situations, it is best to let that person be because in his continual argument, we then become a participant in his folly.
{Verse 5} – In other situations, it is necessary to correct him.
It is in these times, that wisdom (that comes from God) is already welled within us. It is in these times, that prayer (an open line to God) is most needful.
Pastor Sexton often taught that we should be talking to God about our children more than to our children concerning their times of folly.
Wisdom is not always silent, but sometimes is. Wisdom sometimes requires courage and fortitude. How do I get wisdom deep in the well of my heart to be drawn out in times of need? From God directly and through His Word.
James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”