Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Updated King James Version
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 you also be like unto him.
6He that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet, and drinks damage.
Cross References
Proverbs 3:7Be not wise in yours own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Proverbs 26:12See you a man wise in his own conceit? 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 15:1Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
Matthew 21:23And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority do you these things? and who gave you this authority?
Luke 12:13And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he 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 →