So-called atheists often point out this "contradiction" in the Bible. In fact, it reveals God's great wisdom (1 Corinthians1:25).
Proverbs 26:4-5 KJV
[4] Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
[5] Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Do not answer their questions as they desire and expect. But be wise and imitate Jesus. He answered people's questions, but not with the sort of answers they were looking for. Yet He did address their folly. For example,
John 4:9-10 KJV
[9] Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
[10] Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
Jesus essentially rebuked her for her folly of being concerned about unimportant matters. Instead, she should have just done the kindness Jesus asked her to do.
This is just one example of many of Jesus answering people's questions in unexpected ways.
"Atheists" are fond of publishing long lists of Bible "contradictions," in order to show the Bible is a hopeless mess. However, each set of "contradictions" reveals God's superior wisdom, and His great writing skills.
...such seemingly contradictory precepts are not only used by, but are esteemed elegant in other authors.
Benson Commentary.
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