lest he become wise in his own eyes
This part of the verse warns against allowing a fool to remain in their self-deception. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, being "wise in one's own eyes" was a dangerous form of pride and self-reliance, often leading to further folly and sin. The Bible frequently warns against self-deception and pride (e.g., Isaiah 5:21, Romans 12:16). By addressing a fool's folly, one prevents them from becoming entrenched in their misguided beliefs. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of humility and the pursuit of true wisdom, which comes from God. The ultimate example of wisdom is found in Jesus Christ, who embodies divine wisdom and calls His followers to seek understanding through Him (1 Corinthians 1:24, Colossians 2:3).

– The command is clear: “Answer a fool.” Silence is not always golden; there are moments when a godly reply is required.

– This does not contradict Proverbs 26:4 (“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him,”). Verse 4 cautions against engaging on the fool’s terms; verse 5 instructs us to engage so the fool will not go unchecked. The two verses together guide timing and tone.

– Examples:

• Jesus answered the Pharisees’ traps (Matthew 22:15-22).

• Paul answered the Athenian philosophers (Acts 17:16-34).

– Cross reference: “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).

– The phrase tells us how to answer. We expose the folly for what it is, using sound reason and Scripture, not adopting the fool’s arrogance or mockery.

– Practical application:

• Clarify false assumptions.

• Use plain, concrete examples the fool understands.

• Keep the focus on truth, not on winning.

– Cross reference: “We demolish arguments and every presumption that sets itself up against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

– Purpose: a lovingly corrective answer prevents the fool from thinking his nonsense is unassailable.

– Without correction, folly hardens into pride. See Proverbs 26:12: “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him”.

– Illustration: Nathan confronted David’s sin with a parable (2 Samuel 12:1-13); David’s repentance showed the value of timely rebuke.

– The fool’s self-deception is the root problem. He measures wisdom by his own standard, shutting out God’s.

– Cross references:

• “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight” (Isaiah 5:21).

• “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” (Galatians 6:3).

– Our answer should point the fool away from self-reliance toward the fear of the LORD, “the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).

Proverbs 26:5 calls us to speak up when silence would endorse folly. We answer with clarity that exposes error, not with the fool’s scoffing spirit, so that he will not persist in self-made “wisdom.” Faithful correction—grounded in Scripture, delivered with humility—guards both the fool and the community from the spread of destructive pride.