Proverbs Chapter 26 verse 4 Holy Bible

ASV Proverbs 26:4

Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.
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BBE Proverbs 26:4

Do not give to the foolish man a foolish answer, or you will be like him.
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DARBY Proverbs 26:4

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
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KJV Proverbs 26:4

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
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WBT Proverbs 26:4


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WEB Proverbs 26:4

Don't answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.
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YLT Proverbs 26:4

Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou be like to him -- even thou.
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Pulpit Commentary

Pulpit CommentaryVerse 4. - Answer not a fool according to his folly. Do not lower yourself to the fool's level by answering his silly questions or arguing with him as if he were a sensible man. Lest thou also be like unto him; lest you be led to utter folly yourself or to side with him in his opinions and practices. Our blessed Saviour never responded to foolish and captious questions in the way that the questioner hoped and desired, he put them by or gave an unexpected turn to them which silenced the adversary. Instances may be seen in Matthew 21:23, etc.; Matthew 22:21, 22; Luke 13:23, etc.; John 21:21, etc.

Ellicott's Commentary

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(4) Answer not a fool.--Comp. Proverbs 1:22.According to his folly.--Do not lower yourself by disputing or arguing with him; he will not take in your meaning, and will think he has got the better of you, perhaps will insult you. It is noticeable that our Lord never answered a question which should not have been asked Him, but always put it by (e.g., Matthew 21:23, sqq.; Luke 13:23-24; Luke 23:9; John 21:21-22; Acts 1:6, sqq.). . . .