Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
In context
2 Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight. 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools. 4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. 6 Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence. 7 Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 8 Like one who binds the stone in the sling is one who gives honor to a fool.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 26:5 in the KJV
Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit.
- NIV New International Version
— Proverbs 26:5 in the NIV
Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.