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Proverbs 26:4-5 (4) Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. (5) Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

The Bible does not contradict itself. These two verses do not contradict each other, but, rather, they complement each other. Let‘s see the circumstances when to use these verses.

Verse 4 states, answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. To answer the fool’s question or statement, you would be lowering yourself to his level. This could end up in a pointless argument.

In Luke 20:1-8 we can read an example where Jesus was asked by whose authority He did certain things. The Pharisees were not trying to learn anything. Jesus did not answer their question. Because He did not want to be like them, a fool. So, He asked them a question which they could not answer without condemning themselves. Therefore, since the Pharisees could not answer His question, the discussion was dropped.

Verse 5 states, answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. There are times to answer a fool by a foolish answer. This would show just how ridiculous the fools question or statement is. In other words, he would be shown to be wise in his own conceit. 2 Corinthians 11:23 shows an example for us.

2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

There were some men in Corinth who were claiming to be true apostles, but they were not apostles.

2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

Remaining silent would have given a kind of approval of these men, even though there were actually leading the Church astray. They would have appeared wise in their own conceit. Therefore in Verse 23 Paul said, Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool.) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths ofts.

Paul was exposing these men for what they were by answering their false claims so they would not appear wise.

These scriptures are not contradictory. They are two different ways of answering questions and statements of fools. Wisdom is needed to know when and how to apply the principles of these verses. And, wisdom comes from God.

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According to Revelation 20:6, God’s children will reign with Christ a thousand years.

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

We can learn and prepare to rule as kings by examining some of the things we have in common with the Old Testament kings.

(1) They were anointed…set apart, and we, too, have been anointed…set apart for the eventual purpose of living forever and ruling with Jesus Christ. After our baptism, we received the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. This is how God provided us with the power to
overcome and grow in grace and knowledge. This is how God provided us with the seed of His divine nature that must grow and produce fruit. This is how God provided us with the mind of Christ. We need all of these to rule with Christ.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in your which was also in Christ Jesus.

(2) The ancient kings of Israel were clothed in kingly clothing, We need to be clothed with the same righteousness as Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. Our “righteous” attire will be obvious to others who see our choices, our actions, and our mannerism reflecting the
beauty of God’s way of life.

Isaiah 61:10 …for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness….

(3) Israel’s kings were to be educated in the law of God. They were to write out a copy of the law of God and read out of their copy every day. All of their judgments and decisions were to flow from this law

Deuteronomy 17:18-19 (18) And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, aut of that which is before the priests the Levites: (19) And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

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(1) Even though we all will have trials, God desires that we always stay in a positive, thankful attitude.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(2) When we are tempted or discouraged, we are to put on the opposite thought because this will push the wrong ones out. We overcome evil with good. Here is a procedure you may find helpful.

(A) Pray over the issues, asking God to set you free.

(B) Open your Bible and read. The book of Psalms contains many positive teachings on overcoming temptation and discouragement.

(C) Choose to think on positive things.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsover things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things.

(D) Set your mind on things above. Set it, and do not let it move away.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

(3) Make it a goal to bring every thought under control.

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

(4) Stay alert and vigilant. Do not give into Satan’s negative broadcasts.

1 Peter 5: 8-9 (8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the
world.

(5) Rule your spirit and attitude.

Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

(6) Spend time with positive people. Avoid those who always complain, criticize, or are ungrateful and unthankful. Enjoy the company of those who will speak of God’s goodness and His glory.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.