Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he imagine himself to be wise.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner, 1752)
In The King James Version
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
In Context
6He that sendeth words by a foolish messenger, is lame of feet and drinketh iniquity.
Cross References
Proverbs 3:7Be not wise in thy own conceit: fear God, and depart from evil:
Proverbs 26:12Hast thou seen a man wise in his own conceit? there shall be more hope of a fool than of him.
Isaiah 5:21Woe to you that are wise in your own eyes, and prudent in your own conceits.
Matthew 15:1Then came to him from Jerusalem scribes and Pharisees, saying:
Matthew 21:23And when he was come into the temple, there came to him, as he was teaching, the chief priests and ancients of the people, saying: By what authority dost thou these things? And who hath given thee this authority?
Luke 12:13And one of the multitude said to him: Master, speak to my brother that he divide the inheritance 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 →