Proverbs 26:6
[As he that] cutteth of [his messengers] feete endamageth himselfe: so doth he that committeth a message to a foole.
Bible (Bishops')
In The King James Version
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
In Context
5But make the foole an aunswere to his foolishnesse, lest he be wyse in his owne conceipt.
7Like as in a lame man his legges are not equall: euen so is a parable in a fooles mouth.
Cross References
Proverbs 10:26As vineger is to the teeth, & as smoke is vnto the eyes: euen so is a sluggishe person to them that sendeth him foorth.
Proverbs 25:13As the colde of snowe in the tyme of haruest: so is a faythfull messenger to them that sende hym, for he refresheth his maisters mynde.
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 →