Gold Nugget 350 - To Prick a Wind-bag
It is difficult to answer folly. Whichever way we take it, we are in danger of blundering. If we meet it on its own ground we may share its shame. If we treat it soberly we may only incur ridicule. Both courses are beset with difficulties. This is especially true of folly in the biblical sense of the word, according to which it is not so much stupidity as willful perverseness, light-hearted but depraved. It is not easy to find any point of attachment through which to influence this condition of soul. …
We are not to give back foolish answers to foolish questions, nor to attempt to attract the frivolous by frivolous methods. But, on the other hand, it is not wise, nor is it right, to treat foolish people as though they were serious and thoughtful. Thus if questions are raised in mockery, it is our duty to treat them accordingly, and therefore to refuse to answer them.
If it is evident that an inquirer is not in earnest it is not for his good nor for the honour of truth to meet him with the language which would be suitable for an honest truth-seeker. To do so would be to cast pearls before swine. It may be well to meet folly with gravity and to rebuke frivolity. This is answering a fool according to his folly, in the right way; for it is taking note of his folly and directing attention to it.
Mockery should not go unchastised. Insincerity ought to be exposed. Pompous folly is sometimes best met by ridicule. Thus Erasmus castigated hypocritical pretences to piety with the keen rapier of his wit. It is wise to prick a wind-bag.
The Pulpit Commentary, Proverbs p. 504-505, Proverbs 26:4, 5 (W. F. Adeney)
Gold Nugget 350
To Prick a Wind-bag
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