Proverbs 26:5
Yet answer a fool according to his folly, lest he seem wise in his own conceit.
Brenton Septuagint
In The King James Version
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
In Context
4Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou become like him.
6He that sends a message by a foolish messenger procures for himself a reproach from his own ways.
Cross References
Proverbs 3:7Be not wise in thine own conceit; but fear God, and depart from all evil.
Proverbs 26:12I have seen a man who seemed + 26:12 Gr. by.to himself to be wise; but a fool had more hope than he.
Isaiah 5:21Woe to them that are wise in their own conceit, and knowing in their own sight.
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 →