Proverbs 26:4-5 initially appears to give contradictory advice: "DO NOT ANSWER a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him. ANSWER a fool according to his folly, that he not be wise in his own eyes." The keys to properly interpreting the apparently conflicting advice are the descriptions qualifying the imperative. The objective in the first case is engaging a fool without stooping to his level, using abusive language, character assassination, deflecting and blame-shifting. The goal should be rather narrowly correcting the fool over the issue in dispute, addressing raw facts without being abusive or judgmental of the fool. Of course the fool might still blow you off, but at least you're not communicating like the fool, according to his folly. And methodically sticking to the issue without being disrespectful is potentially corrective. The fool can no longer easily be right in his own eyes. The real issue then in these verses is how we converse with a fool, who would provoke a response in us that is verbally abusive, and abuse returned discredits whatever wisdom we might provide.
Overcoming Bad Impressions through Lovingkindness
This episode emphasizes how the character of the evangelist significantly impacts future receptivity, either confirming negative stereotypes of the evangelist or overthrowing them. Many have had negative encounters with preachers whom they label as argumentative, dogmatic, close-minded, self-righteous, and "holier-than-thou." While Christianity is the exclusive means of salvation and all other religions are false, some Christians come off as arrogant monopolizers of the truth who came to faith through their own efforts, apart from grace. They "win" arguments, talking over and disrespecting unbelievers. The episode queries, "if you were wrong, how would you like to be corrected?" While Christians have the Truth, they don't own it or control it. And self-righteously weaponizing the Truth to win arguments or culture-wars makes one the ostensible "owner" of Truth, when he is just a steward. The evangelist must do everything to convey that he is mere steward of the grace of God, among many. He didn't "find" Christ, the Truth found him. He preaches repentance and faith in Christ to unbelievers, using his former life as Exhibit A of a life under judgment. The episode closes with the admonition to guard one's tongue. While unbelievers are rarely persuaded on the first encounter, the initial meeting with the evangelist can make or break future receptivity. A non-argumentative and respectful posture that is eager to LISTEN more than speak prepares the soil for gospel seeds planted on subsequent encounters.