It can be extremely difficult to remain quiet. Especially when a fool has just spoken. Fools often pontificate, even though their words are mere babbling. They like to make pronouncements to gain peoples’ attention. Some enjoy giving the appearance of having thought deeply on a matter. Others are merely scoffers who love to belittle others. Such people pollute the air with their speech.
It would be easy to refute such people and their flimsy facts. Such empty-headed loudmouths need to be taken down a notch, and a wise person, brimming with facts, could easily do it. But there is a problem.
Fools are not speaking because they are seeking knowledge, but because they crave attention. They did not voice their opinion so others could help them become better informed. They spoke so they would have an audience. If you refute them or argue with them, you give them exactly what they want. They will not change or be improved by your discourse, but you will be tarnished. You will also have wasted your time, for the fool will remain the same after he has argued with you.
Be aware of wasting your time on fools. They will rob you of your time and peace of mind and give nothing in return. Size people up to see if they are open to feedback or just looking for an audience. You may feel better for a moment after having rebuked a fool, but you will find that in the process, you were brought down to his level.