Bible Strands
Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The passage is embedded in a wisdom collection addressing a general listener, placed directly between two proverbs that warn against engaging with fools.
The words — כְסִיל (Khe.sil) means a fool, and חָכָם (cha.Kham) means wise.
The thread — The text warns against self-conceit in Proverbs 3:7, which commands readers not to be wise in their own eyes. The theme of testing and pride runs through Matthew 16:1 and the humility instruction in Romans 12:16.
Why it lands — The verse commands the reader to engage a fool’s reasoning precisely enough to expose its absurdity, preventing the fool from gaining false confidence. It requires calculated response rather than silent avoidance or uncontrolled debate.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Cross-references
- Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.
- Matthew 16:1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven.
- Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
- Proverbs 26:4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.
- 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.
- Proverbs 28:11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
- Matthew 21:23 When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?”
- Luke 12:13 Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
- 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.”
- John 9:26 “What did He do to you?” they asked. “How did He open your eyes?”