Proverbs 26:5
Answer a dullard according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.
The Emphasised Bible by J. B. Rotherham
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 dullard, according to his folly, lest, even thou thyself, become like him;
Cross References
Proverbs 3:7Do not become wise in thine own eyes, revere Yahweh, and avoid evil:
Proverbs 26:12Thou hast seen a man wise in his own eye,—more hope of a dullard, than of him!
Isaiah 5:21Alas for them Who are wise in their own eyes,—And in their own sight, are prudent.
Matthew 15:1Then, there come unto Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees and Scribes, saying—
Matthew 21:23And, when he, entered, the temple, the Chief-priests and the Elders of the people, came unto him as he was teaching, saying, By what authority, these things, art thou doing? and, who, to thee, gave, this authority?
Luke 12:13And one from amongst the multitude said unto him—Teacher! bid my brother divide with me the inheritance.
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 →