David Maas, citing James Patrick Holding, contends that the alleged contradiction in Proverbs 6:4-5 (“D o not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.") presents a dilemma rather than a contradiction, adding that offering those verses as an example of a contradiction displays unusual stupidity and ignorance. I n his article, “Answering the Fool," James Jackson   insists that "such close proximity reflects design, not disorder." Dr. E. W. Bullinger suggests that the connection between these verses can be explained by an  ellipsis  (something deliberately left out to grab the reader's attention). Parallelism and paradox are more techniques which the biblical writer has used to make an enigma or conundrum of the pair of verses, encouraging the development of discernment to solve the dilemma. Turn of phrase or fallacy of accent further explain the alleged contradiction. When seen in the proper light, this verse is complementary rather than contradictory. We need to learn when it is proper to speak up and when it is proper to shut up. Many scriptural references demonstrate when Jesus, Moses, and Paul perceived when it is time to assert oneself and time to refrain. We have to develop the savvy to know when it is appropriate to ignore a fool or confront a fool.