If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
(If) a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, (there is) no rest - (Matthew 11:17.) The wise man may try all ways to gain the fool to piety, which is wisdom; but when the wise tries anger with him, the fool becomes more angry; and when he tries pleasantry, the fool misunderstands it. The fool gives his wise admonisher "no rest." He has always an excuse, accusation, or retort to give. He misinterprets kindness as the result of fear or stratagem, and becomes more insolent; roughness as the result of a wish to domineer harshly.