Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.
Berean Standard Bible
In The King James Version
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
In Context
4Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.
Cross References
Proverbs 3:7Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
Proverbs 26:12Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Isaiah 5:21Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
Matthew 15:1Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked,
Matthew 21:23When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?”
Luke 12:13Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to 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 →