Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
JPS TaNaKH 1917
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 also be like unto him.
6He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off his own feet, and drinketh damage.
Cross References
Proverbs 3:7Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the LORD, and depart from evil;
Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own eyes? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Isaiah 5:21Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent 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 →