While Scripture says that we should ordinarily not rebuke a fool, since a fool is not interested in the truth or in holiness, there are exceptions to that rule that are laid out in the Scriptures. This passage illustrates one of those exceptions. The rebuke of a fool is useful when it brings warning to those who are witnesses. It can be a part of apologetics and being salt and light in culture. This passage helps us to do a better job at apologetics.