Proverbs Chapter 26 verse 5 Holy Bible
Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit.
read chapter 26 in ASV
Give a foolish man a foolish answer, or he will seem wise to himself.
read chapter 26 in BBE
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
read chapter 26 in DARBY
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
read chapter 26 in KJV
read chapter 26 in WBT
Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
read chapter 26 in WEB
Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
read chapter 26 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 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.
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(5) Answer a fool according to his folly.--As his folly deserves, sharply and decisively, and in language suited to his comprehension.