According to the Bible, should we answer a fool according to his folly?
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Some like to points to passages like this as evidence that Scripture contradicts itself.  \n\nBut that is hardly the explanation for a case like this\nNotice that the book of Proverbs intentionally puts these two proverbs side by side!  The suggestion that the collector was so incompetent as note to notice that the two successive verses said exactly the OPPOSITE is a bit much.\n\nIn fact, those who have studied the making and collecting of proverbs around the world (a fascinating area of study called "paremiology") have found that it is COMMON in this sort of literary collection to deliberately put two complementary, even seemingly contradictory sayings together.   For that matter, it would not be difficult to find seemingly contradictory parables WE have used.  For example: “Look before you leap” versus “He who hesitates is lost” and “Birds of a feather flock together,” versus “Opposites attract”\n\nThe point is that proverbs are "generalized" widsom -- obsevations about how life works -- but one can't mechanically apply them.  It takes real insight/wisdom to know which 'rule-of-thumb' applies in a given situation.  When the collector of Proverbs put THESE two together he clearly wanted to underline this point (which is made in other ways in the opening chapters of the book), and to challenge us to 'chew it over.'
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I agree with you and have said the same thing myself many times.  From my point of view the bible is much like Grimms fairy tales.  To be used as and example of right and wrong.
352966
God answers it Himself in His Word. These passages are very sobering\n\n2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 \n\n and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,  that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
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Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent. \n\nAnd discerning, if he holds his tounge.\n\n.............................................................................................................\n\n\nO.K.\n\nHow about,\n\nWhen words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tounge is wise!\n\nIn other words, I agree with you!
688439
I understand what you mean- most people choose to believe only what agrees with them. If something written says what they are doing is wrong they then decide that specific passage is not correct. They want to be seen as perfect so they pick and choose what they want to benefit them. I believe the Bible in its entirety- If you do that then you can't go wrong!
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We would be well to let the Bible interpret itself, and gather all verses on a subject. I would like to encourage everyone to do this.\n\nHere are a few to take a look at:\n\nDaniel 1:8- Daniel refuses wine because he has purposed not to defile himself. I doubt this was new wine, as the fresh juice of the grape does not defile.\n\nIsa. 5:11- Woe to those who drink intoxicating drinks.\nProverbs 23:29-30-More woe...\n\nAlcohol has lead to alot of shame in the Bible. Noah naked (Gen. 9:21), Lot sexually active with his own daughters (Gen. 19:33), The Golden Calf (Ex. 32:6, 25), Amnon rapes his half-sister (2 Sam. 13:28)\n\nWhen you take an honest look at the Biblical record of fermented drink, it is apaulling to think how Christians would try to endorce alcohol as righteous even in moderation!\n\nThe win, grape juice, represented Christ's Blood, and the bread his Body. Just as the bread was "unleavened", leaven representing sin, his blood ought to be considered pure, free from fermentation.\n\nThe Bible is clear on this point, for more info please read:
384359
sometimes I answer questions in hopes really seeking people will find an answer. the person doing the baiting sometimes just opens the door for someone else to get an answer,but might not be as bold to ask. I agree with most of your statement tho.. and you do have to know when to apply this verse as well..\nMatthew 7:6  Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.\n\nusually the best way to know is to ask for God's guidance.
12151
be as stupid as the questioner
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Proverbs 17:10\n\n"A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool."\n\n\nI know its' not exactly what you're looking for, but that's as close as I could find.
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I am not exactly sure if the Bible says " you do or do not have freewill" specifically. But I believe that we do not have freewill, and the definition of freewill is "lack of internal compulsions". it talks in Romans nine how every intentional act is predestined to happen by God, and how even the evil doers, are used to accomplish his plan. this is why we "End up doing what God wants anyway." I believe that bad things happen for a reason as well and that they are Gods plan for our life. We may not be able to see the reason and we may never be able to, but that does not mean it was not his plan. And any suffering we endure is Gods will, and it may not seem fair or just to us, but Paul says in Romans who is the clay to question the potter, I fully agree with this, who are you and I to question the creator of the universe, and our heavenly father? I encourage you to read, "The Christian view of Man",  I cant remember the authors first name but his last name is Machen. Also Romans Chapter Nine, and parts of Hebrews.
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These aren't errors, exactly, unless you're so fundamentalist that you take every single word literally. \n\nPeople today have expressions that aren't meant to be taken literally - including "to the four corners of the earth." (For example, "You're driving me crazy." Literally, this implies that I'm being driven, that I'm not already crazy, and that I'm a qualified mental health professional who can diagnose 'crazy' when I see it.)\n\nWhen certain verses appear to be incorrect, read them in context and then find other verses about the same topic to be sure how they should be interpreted. Anyone can pick a verse and question it's accuracy. For example, you could combine "Judas went and hanged himself" with "Go and do thou likewise" and come up with a pretty twisted doctrine! But is that how these verses were meant to be understood? I don't think so.
540974
LOL!!! Hey, if it is in the bible, it is God's words right?
729178
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.  Proverbs 15:2
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The Bible, Ecclesiastes 7:5 (Today's English Version)\n\nTraditional (King James Version)\n[It is] better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
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James 1:5 gives a pretty decent answer:\n\n5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.\n\nIf you really want to know, study and pray about it.  God will let you know.
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The men who created God have showed the faults of their intellect and understanding of what was really going on. We have since learned that some of the things that they thought were wrong. They were dummies. So when mistakes are found in the Bible  people will come up with all sorts of self created explanations and excuses. Just look at some of the ridiculous answers they have given here.
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In the Bible it says "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:  and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."  \n\nsorry, I misquoted the first time