Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes. New Living Translation Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation. English Standard Version Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. Berean Standard Bible Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes. King James Bible Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. New King James Version Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes. New American Standard Bible Answer a fool as his foolishness deserves, So that he will not be wise in his own eyes. NASB 1995 Answer a fool as his folly deserves, That he not be wise in his own eyes. NASB 1977 Answer a fool as his folly deserves, Lest he be wise in his own eyes. Legacy Standard Bible Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes. Amplified Bible Answer [and correct the erroneous concepts of] a fool according to his folly, Otherwise he will be wise in his own eyes [if he thinks you agree with him]. Christian Standard Bible Answer a fool according to his foolishness or he’ll become wise in his own eyes. Holman Christian Standard Bible Answer a fool according to his foolishness or he’ll become wise in his own eyes. American Standard Version Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit. Contemporary English Version But if you answer any fools, show how foolish they are, so they won't feel smart. English Revised Version Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. GOD'S WORD® Translation Answer a fool with his own stupidity, or he will think he is wise. Good News Translation Give a silly answer to a silly question, and the one who asked it will realize that he's not as smart as he thinks. International Standard Version Answer a fool according to his foolishness, or he will think himself to be wise. NET Bible Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own estimation. New Heart English Bible Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. Webster's Bible Translation Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnswer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes. World English Bible Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnswer a fool according to his folly, "" Lest he is wise in his own eyes. Young's Literal Translation Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes. Smith's Literal Translation Answer the foolish according to his folly lest he shall be wise in his own eyes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnswer a fool according to his folly, lest he imagine himself to be wise. Catholic Public Domain Version Respond to the foolish according to his folly, lest he imagine himself to be wise. New American Bible Answer fools according to their folly, lest they become wise in their own eyes. New Revised Standard Version Answer fools according to their folly, or they will be wise in their own eyes. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut answer a fool according to your wisdom, lest he think in himself that he is wise. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated But speak with a fool according to your wisdom lest he think in his soul that he is wise. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes. Brenton Septuagint Translation Yet answer a fool according to his folly, lest he seem wise in his own conceit. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Similitudes and Instructions…4Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. 5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes. 6Like cutting off one’s own feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.… Cross References Matthew 7:6 Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 15:14 Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” 2 Timothy 2:23 But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. Luke 20:26 And they were unable to trap Him in His words before the people. And amazed at His answer, they fell silent. 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Ephesians 5:15-17 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Ecclesiastes 10:1-3 As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. / A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. / Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. Proverbs 9:7-8 He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. / Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Proverbs 14:7 Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. Proverbs 17:12 It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly. Proverbs 18:2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions. Treasury of Scripture Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. fool 1 Kings 22:24-28 But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee? … Jeremiah 36:17,18 And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth? … Matthew 15:1-3 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, … lest Proverbs 26:12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him. Proverbs 28:11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. conceit Isaiah 5:21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Jump to Previous Conceit Deserves Eyes Folly Fool Foolish Seem WiseJump to Next Conceit Deserves Eyes Folly Fool Foolish Seem WiseProverbs 26 1. observations about fools13. about sluggards 17. and about contentious busybodies Answer a fool according to his folly This phrase suggests engaging with a fool in a manner that addresses their foolishness directly. In biblical context, a "fool" is often someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, as seen throughout Proverbs. The instruction here contrasts with the previous verse, which advises not to answer a fool according to his folly. This indicates the need for discernment in different situations. The cultural context of ancient Israel valued wisdom and understanding, and addressing folly was crucial to maintaining social and spiritual order. This approach can be seen in Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees, where He often answered their folly with wisdom that exposed their misunderstandings (e.g., Matthew 22:15-22). lest he become wise in his own eyes Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart practical wisdom and guidance. 2. Fool In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often characterized by arrogance and a refusal to learn or accept correction. 3. Wise in His Own Eyes This phrase describes someone who is self-deceived, believing themselves to be wise when they are not. It is a state of pride and self-sufficiency that Proverbs warns against. Teaching Points Discernment in EngagementUnderstand when to engage with a fool and when to refrain. Not every situation requires a response, but some do to prevent further folly. Preventing Self-Deception Addressing foolishness can prevent someone from becoming wise in their own eyes. This is an act of love and correction. Wisdom in Communication Use wisdom to determine the appropriate response. Sometimes a direct answer is necessary to expose folly and bring about correction. Guarding Against Pride Be cautious of becoming wise in your own eyes. Seek humility and wisdom from God to avoid the pitfalls of pride. Balancing Truth and Grace When answering a fool, balance truth with grace. The goal is correction and growth, not simply winning an argument. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 26Proverbs 26:4–5: How can these adjacent verses not be contradictory when they offer opposite instructions on answering fools? What does the Bible say about fools? Why do Proverbs 26:4-5 seem contradictory? What are common questions about proverbs?(5) Answer a fool according to his folly.--As his folly deserves, sharply and decisively, and in language suited to his comprehension.Verse 5. - Answer a fool according to his folly. This maxim at first sight seems absolutely antagonistic to the purport of the preceding verse; but it is not so really. The words, "according to his folly," in this verse mean, as his folly deserves, in so plain a way as is expose it, and shame him, and bring him to a better mind. Lest he be wise in his own conceit; thinking, it may be, that he has said something worth hearing, or put you to silence by his superior intelligence. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Answerעֲנֵ֣ה (‘ă·nêh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond a fool כְ֭סִיל (ḵə·sîl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool according to his folly, כְּאִוַּלְתּ֑וֹ (kə·’iw·wal·tōw) Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 200: Silliness lest פֶּן־ (pen-) Conjunction Strong's 6435: Removal, lest he become יִהְיֶ֖ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be wise חָכָ֣ם (ḥā·ḵām) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2450: Wise in his own eyes. בְּעֵינָֽיו׃ (bə·‘ê·nāw) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain Links Proverbs 26:5 NIVProverbs 26:5 NLT Proverbs 26:5 ESV Proverbs 26:5 NASB Proverbs 26:5 KJV Proverbs 26:5 BibleApps.com Proverbs 26:5 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 26:5 Chinese Bible Proverbs 26:5 French Bible Proverbs 26:5 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly (Prov. 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