Proverbs 26:5
But make the foole an aunswere to his foolishnesse, lest he be wyse in his owne conceipt.
Bible (Bishops')
In The King James Version
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
In Context
4Geue not the foole an aunswere after his foolishnes, lest thou become like vnto him.
Cross References
Proverbs 3:7Be not wise in thine owne conceipt: but feare the Lorde, and depart from euyll:
Proverbs 26:12If thou seest a man that is wise in his owne conceipt: there is more hope in a foole, then in hym.
Isaiah 5:21Wo be vnto them that are wise in their owne syght, and thynke them selues to haue vnderstandyng.
Matthew 15:1Then came to Iesus Scribes and Pharisees, which were come from Hierusalem, saying:
Matthew 21:23And when he was come into the temple, the chiefe priestes, & the elders of the people, came vnto hym teaching, and saye: By what aucthoritie doest thou these thynges? and who gaue thee this power?
Luke 12:13One of the companie sayde vnto hym: Maister, speake to my brother, that he deuide the inheritauce with me.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 26:5-6
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. See here the noble security of the scripture-style, which seems to contradict itself, but really does not. Wise men have need to be directed how to deal with fools; and they have never more need of wisdom than in dealing with such, to know when to keep silence and when to speak, for there may be a time for both. 1. In some cases a wise man will not set his wit to… Read the whole commentary →