Proverbs 26:5
Answer stupid people following their stupidity, otherwise they'll think they're wise.
Free Bible Version
In The King James Version
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
In Context
4Don't answer stupid people following their stupidity, or you'll become as bad as them.
6Trusting someone stupid to deliver a message is like cutting off your feet or drinking poison.
Cross References
Proverbs 3:7Don't think you're wise—respect God and avoid evil.
Proverbs 26:12Have you seen a man who is wise in his own eyes? There's more hope for stupid people than for him!
Isaiah 5:21Tragedy is coming to you who are wise in your own eyes and think you're so clever.
Matthew 15:1Then some Pharisees and religious teachers from Jerusalem came to Jesus and asked him,
Matthew 21:23Jesus went into the Temple. The chief priests and the ruling elders of the people came to him while he was teaching and asked, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority?”
Luke 12:13Someone in the crowd asked Jesus, “Teacher, please tell my brother to share 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 →