Parenting by the Book
STUDY 303
Text: Proverbs 26
15 April 2007
Dear Parents,
MORE OBSERVATIONS
Let us look at more observations concerning “the fool”. The fool is difficult to reason with. This is the essential thrust of the following text.
Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.
Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.Proverbs 26:4-5
1. The way “a fool” thinks
a) We must not imagine that “a fool” does not think.
b) He just thinks “differently”.
c) He thinks with “folly” in mind.
2. When a fool asks a question
a) One may imagine that he is looking for an answer.
b) He is in fact not looking for an answer at all.
c) He already thinks he has an answer to his question.
3. Giving an answer to “a fool”
a) A fool will turn every answer given to him to suit his own ideas.
b) He can and will justify his actions.
4. Danger involved
a) A fool can exude great confidence.
b) Those who are not strong may be taken in!
5. “Answer a fool according to his folly”
A fool is best left to his own devices. The more you talk to a fool, the more he might go away thinking himself the wisest of men. Such is the way of folly.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie