A man of understanding is very different to this. Solomon notes, “A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool” (Prov. 17:10). Solomon here is agreeing with both Aristotle and my friend. He is noting that there is no point reasoning with some people, because they cannot learn, they are unteachable in the most basic definition of that term, and seeking to reason with them is only going to cause you more pain, frustration, or anguish. It is a pointless endeavour, like decaf coffee. As he says elsewhere, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself” (Prov. 26:4). This is the biblical way of saying, don’t argue with a stupid person, because he will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.....
.......Of course, sometimes a fool needs to be rebuked, “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes” (Prov. 26:5). This Proverb may appear to contradict the previous one which says do not answer a fool according to his folly. But, remember, the book of Proverbs is not a list of rules for life, it is a series of observations about wisdom, and the wise man knows that one situation calls for one sort of the response, and another calls for another. Sometimes it is necessary to fight fire with fire, so as to get through to the person you are rebuking. Sometimes this how you help the fool become wise. However, I would advise you to do this rarely and sparingly, because the previous Proverb is more applicable in most situations......
......Using logic with the illogical is illogical. Yet how many times have you sought to do that very thing? Even the person capable of complicated reason can find themselves doing what is irrational.
Part of the reason this happens is that we tend to think that everybody is the same and with just the right amount of education and intelligence they will be able to understand what you are saying. But Aristotle, Solomon and my friend have all noted that this is not the case. If we can’t accept this, then the biggest irony of all is that we then become the fool incapable of instruction. You see that? That’s fascinating, isn’t it.
