Proverbs 26:5
Proverbs 26:5 in Multiple Translations
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Give a foolish man a foolish answer, or he will seem wise to himself.
Answer stupid people following their stupidity, otherwise they'll think they're wise.
Answere a foole according to his foolishnes, least he be wise in his owne conceite.
Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he imagine himself to be wise.
If you give a foolish answer to someone who asks a foolish question, he will realize that he is ◄not very wise/foolish►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 26:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֲנֵ֣ה
כְ֭סִיל
כְּ/אִוַּלְתּ֑/וֹ
פֶּן
יִהְיֶ֖ה
חָכָ֣ם
בְּ/עֵינָֽי/ו
עֲנֵ֣ה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
כְ֭סִיל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
כְּ/אִוַּלְתּ֑/וֹ
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
Prep | N-fs | Suff
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
יִהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
חָכָ֣ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
בְּ/עֵינָֽי/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:5
עֲנֵ֣ה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
כְ֭סִיל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
כְּ/אִוַּלְתּ֑/וֹ
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
יִהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
חָכָ֣ם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
בְּ/עֵינָֽי/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:5
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:5
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!
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. 7Like lame legs hanging limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 12:16 | Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited. |
| 2 | Matthew 16:1–4 | Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away. |
| 3 | Proverbs 28:11 | A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him. |
| 4 | Proverbs 3:7 | Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. |
| 5 | Titus 1:13 | This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith |
| 6 | Romans 11:25 | I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. |
| 7 | Proverbs 26:12 | Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. |
| 8 | John 9:26–33 | “What did He do to you?” they asked. “How did He open your eyes?” He replied, “I already told you, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?” Then they heaped insults on him and said, “You are His disciple; we are disciples of Moses. We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.” “That is remarkable indeed!” the man said. “You do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will. Never before has anyone heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do no such thing.” |
| 9 | Proverbs 26:4 | Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. |
| 10 | John 8:7 | When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.” |
Proverbs 26:5 Summary
[This verse means that sometimes we need to respond to people who are being foolish or unreasonable, but we should do it in a way that doesn't stoop to their level, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:24-26. We want to help them see the truth, not just argue or fight. If we don't respond at all, they might think they're right and become even more self-deceived, as warned in Proverbs 26:12. By answering them in a wise and gentle way, we can help them understand their mistake and turn to the truth, guided by the principles in Ephesians 4:15.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Proverbs 26:5 seem to contradict Proverbs 26:4, which says not to answer a fool?
The key is understanding the context and intention behind the response, as Jesus showed in Matthew 22:23-46, where He answered the Sadducees' questions in a way that exposed their foolishness without stooping to their level, and as seen in 2 Timothy 2:23-26, where we're told to gently instruct those who oppose the truth.
How can I determine when to answer a fool and when not to?
This requires discernment, as seen in Proverbs 10:8, where the wise are known for their thoughtful responses, and in Proverbs 12:23, where the prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, indicating that one must consider the situation and the potential impact of their response, guided by the principles in James 1:5-8.
What does it mean for a fool to become 'wise in his own eyes'?
This phrase suggests that the fool will become self-deceived and think himself to be wise, as seen in Proverbs 3:7, where it warns against being wise in one's own eyes, and in Romans 1:22, where it describes those who claim to be wise but become fools, indicating a state of spiritual blindness and arrogance.
Is it ever right to 'answer a fool according to his folly' if it might lead to conflict?
While conflict should be avoided when possible, as seen in Matthew 5:38-42, there are times when standing up for the truth requires a firm but gentle response, as seen in 1 Peter 3:15-16, where we're told to be ready to give a defense for our faith, and in Jude 1:3, where we're exhorted to contend for the faith, indicating that our responses should be guided by a desire to honor God and edify others.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I need to decide whether to answer a fool or not, and how can I seek God's guidance in those moments?
- How can I balance the need to stand up for the truth with the command to 'not answer a fool according to his folly'?
- What are some signs that someone is becoming 'wise in their own eyes', and how can I lovingly point them to the truth?
- In what ways can I demonstrate the wisdom and humility described in Proverbs 26:5 in my interactions with others, especially those who disagree with me?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly,.... The Targum is, "but speak with a fool in thy wisdom;'' and the Syriac version, "yea, speak with a fool according to thy wisdom;'' which would at once remove
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:5
According to his folly; so as his folly needs and requires, convincing him strongly, reproving him sharply, exposing him to just shame, and correcting him with a rod, when he deserves it, and thou hast a just power to use it. Lest he be wise in his own conceit; lest thy silence make him arrogant and presumptuous, as if his words were unanswerable.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:5
Proverbs 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.Ver. 5. Answer a fool according to his folly.] Cast in somewhat that may sting him, and stop his mouth. Stone him with soft words but hard arguments, as Christ dealt with Pilate, lest he lift up his crest, and look upon himself as a conqueror, and be held so by the hearers. In fine, when a fool is among such as himself, answer him, lest he seem wise. If he be among wise men, answer him not, and they will regard rather quid tu taceas, quam quod ille dicat, thy seasonable silence than his passionate prattle.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:5
(5) Answer a fool according to his folly.—As his folly deserves, sharply and decisively, and in language suited to his comprehension.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:5
4, 5. according to] Let not your answer be according to his folly in foolishness; but let it be according to it in appositeness.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:5
4, 5. Answer not a fool… answer a fool — The point in these two proverbs, which are the complement of each other, is found in the play upon a single letter, the ë, (kaph,) used as a sign of
Sermons on Proverbs 26:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A New Attitude Towards People by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the transformation believers undergo when they accept Christ, becoming new creations and living differently from the world's patterns. It delves into the imp |
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How to Overcome Evil by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility in the life of a Christian soldier. He encourages believers to have a condescending attitude towards others and t |
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Book of Acts Series - Part 33 | Saying Goodbye by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher praises the choir and acknowledges their dedication and hard work. He emphasizes the importance of having a double standard in the church, where member |
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Giving Our Mind to Christ - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life free from selfishness and pride, urging believers to adopt humility, unselfish love, and generosity towards others. It contra |
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Few Find the Way to Life - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon addresses the importance of knowing and understanding the Bible, emphasizing the need to base our beliefs and arguments on God's Word rather than personal opinions. It |
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The Mind of Christ by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of unity among God's people. He emphasizes that unity should be based on four things: exaltation in Christ, consolation of love, f |
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Having No Selfishness by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the manifestation of God's ways in Jesus' life, emphasizing unity as highlighted in Philippians chapter 2. The chapter discusses being of the same mind, lov |