Proverbs 26:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

NIV: Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.

NASB: Answer a fool as his foolishness deserves, So that he will not be wise in his own eyes.

CSB: Answer a fool according to his foolishness or he’ll become wise in his own eyes.

NLT: Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.

KJV: Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

NKJV: Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Although verse 5 seems to contradict the instruction given in verse 4, the two statements are responses to different situations. The prior statement (Proverbs 26:4) warns against imitating a foolish person's behavior. Replying "according to" that error, by mirroring disrespect, shallowness, or insincerity, makes one just as much a fool as the other.

Here, Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) refers to a different scenario: when one replies "according to" an error by giving godly wisdom in a godly way. Unless a fool's mistaken ideas are corrected, they will continue in error and suffer the consequences. It is wise to answer the fool when the answer is meant to relay helpful truth in a loving way. The fool may adjust his thinking and accept the truth. Giving a reasonable, respectful answer (1 Peter 3:15) can help others appreciate the glory of God. Of course, it requires great wisdom to know when to answer a fool. Sometimes, it's clear the person is immune to reason and any correction will be a waste of time (Matthew 7:6; Proverbs 23:9). Shallow attacks or insincere complaints are best ignored.

However, if the person in question seems sincerely mistaken, it is wise to coach them towards the truth. There is value in giving an appropriate answer "to" foolishness. What's pointless is giving an answer "in" foolishness by mirroring someone's unfair, unkind, ungodly demeanor.

Proverbs 26:1–12 is mostly a series of blunt, negative remarks about a "fool;" the word appears in all but one verse. In the book of Proverbs, a "fool" is one who rejects godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The segment also includes a famous pair of statements which seem contradictory. Since verses 4 and 5 are written side-by-side, the implication is that there are times where one approach or the other is best. Generally, those who ignore God's truth (Proverbs 8:34–36) are dangerous and unreliable.

This chapter includes three main sections. The first repeatedly refers to a "fool," meaning someone lacking godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The second warns against being lazy. The third condemns careless conflict, lying, and warns about those who disguise their hate with words. Several statements in this passage repeat or echo others made in the book of Proverbs.

Chapter 25 introduced another section of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 25:1). These were collected by later scribes; the list runs through the end of chapter 29. This chapter covers topics such as foolishness, laziness, and conflict. This echoes principles given in other proverbs.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.