Proverbs 26:5
Answere a foole according to his foolishnes, least he be wise in his owne conceite.
Geneva Bible 1599
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 foole according to his foolishnes, least thou also be like him.
Cross References
Proverbs 3:7Be not wise in thine owne eyes: but feare the Lord, and depart from euill.
Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his owne conceite? more hope is of a foole then of him.
Isaiah 5:21Woe vnto them that are wise in their owne eyes, and prudent in their owne sight.
Matthew 15:1Then came to Iesus the Scribes and Pharises, which were of Hierusalem, saying,
Matthew 21:23And whe he was come into the Temple, the chiefe Priestes, and the Elders of the people came vnto him, as he was teaching, and saide, By what authoritie doest thou these things? and who gaue thee this authoritie?
Luke 12:13And one of the companie said vnto him, Master, bidde my brother deuide 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 →