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How to Answer a Fool

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Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Dec 21, 1915

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 50.

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How to Answer a Fool

By Eliza H. Morton

THE Bible apparently contradicts itself in the admonitions, “Answer a fool according to his folly” (Prov. 26: 5), and, “Answer not a fool according to his folly” (Prov. 26: 4). The reason for the last quoted is, “lest thou also be like unto him,” which implies that one should not manifest, in his reply, the same evil, bantering spirit manifested by the fool. Exposing the folly of a fool by answering him not according to his folly, is well illustrated in Christ’s course with the Pharisees. He replied to their questions in a way to silence them. Matt. 22: 36-46. ELIZA H. MORTON.