Do we answer the arguments of fools or not? How are Proverbs 26:4-5 to be understood?

> [**Proverbs 26:4-5 (NLT)**](http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2026:4-5&version=NLT) > > 4 Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, > or you will become as foolish as they are. > > 5 Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, > or they will become wise in their own estimation. > At first read, these seem to be contradicting one another. Verse 4 tells us **not** to answer fools' arguments and verse 5 tells us **do** answer fools' arguments. With such a seeming contradiction, there is certainly some sort of official material out there that resolves this issue. According to the Wesleyan denomination (or as close as possible), how is this apparent contradiction resolved?