Proverbs 26:4-5 Should I answer a fool or not answer a fool?

There is a scripture in the Book of Proverbs that confuses many people as it seems to contradict itself. Should we answer a foolish person or not?

Proverbs 26:4-5 reads: "Do 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" (Proverbs 26:4-5)

The word "fool" here actually comes from a Hebrew word that means foolish, or someone who is not acting or speaking with wisdom.

In truth, the two statements in this Proverb are complementary, not contradictory.