Proverbs 26:4

KJV

¶ Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Answer {H6030} not a fool {H3684} according to his folly {H200}, lest thou also be like {H7737} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't answer a fool in terms of his folly, or you will be descending to his level;

Berean Standard Bible

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.

American Standard Version

Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 26:4 offers a profound and often counter-intuitive piece of wisdom, advising against responding to a foolish person in a manner that mirrors their folly. This counsel is not about avoiding engagement entirely, but about exercising discernment and self-control, recognizing that stooping to the fool's level can compromise one's own integrity, wisdom, and effectiveness, ultimately making the wise person indistinguishable from the very foolishness they seek to address. It highlights the importance of preserving one's character and maintaining a higher standard of discourse, even when provoked by irrationality or absurdity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 26:4 stands as the first part of a fascinating and seemingly paradoxical couplet, immediately followed by [Proverbs 26:5](/proverbs/26-5 "Proverbs 26:5 - The Counterpoint to Folly"). This juxtaposition is crucial for understanding the nuanced wisdom presented. While verse 4 warns against answering a fool according to their folly, verse 5 advises the opposite: to answer a fool according to their folly. This literary device, often called an **antithetical parallelism** or **apparent contradiction**, forces the reader to engage in deeper discernment, suggesting that wisdom lies not in a blanket rule but in the ability to apply the right principle to the right situation. The broader context of [Proverbs 26](/proverbs/26 "Proverbs 26 - Dealing with Fools and Sluggards") is largely dedicated to describing the characteristics of a fool and a sluggard, and offering practical advice on how to interact with them, emphasizing the challenges they pose to societal harmony and individual wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs reflects the accumulated wisdom of ancient Israel, deeply rooted in a culture that valued practical wisdom for daily living and moral uprightness. In this society, the "fool" (Hebrew: *kesil*) was not merely someone lacking intelligence, but a moral and spiritual category—an individual who consistently rejects wisdom, instruction, and the fear of the Lord (as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge")). Such a person was often characterized by obstinacy, arrogance, and a propensity for disruptive or self-destructive behavior. The cultural emphasis was on maintaining honor and avoiding shame, and engaging in senseless arguments with a fool could easily bring dishonor upon oneself by association or by adopting their undignified manner. The proverbs served as guiding principles for navigating complex social interactions within a community that upheld communal values and the pursuit of righteousness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to the overarching themes of **wisdom versus folly** and **discerning speech** found throughout the Book of Proverbs. It underscores the theme of **self-control** and the **preservation of character**, suggesting that a wise person's response is dictated by their own principles, not by the provocations of others. The implicit theme of **strategic silence** or **measured engagement** is also prominent, as the proverb teaches that not every challenge or foolish statement warrants a direct, mirroring response. This wisdom is foundational to understanding how to maintain one's integrity and effectiveness in a world often populated by those who reject sound judgment, aligning with the broader call to live a life guided by divine wisdom, as highlighted in passages like [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is Supreme").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Answer (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** From H6030, this root word primarily means "to eye" or "to heed," implying attention and a response. It encompasses various forms of communication, from speaking and testifying to singing and shouting. In this context, it refers to giving a verbal or behavioral response to someone. The nuance here is not merely to speak, but to respond *in kind* or *according to* the folly.
* **Fool (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** From H3684, this term denotes someone "fat" or "stupid/silly." Unlike a simpleton (pethi) or scoffer (letz), the *kesil* is characterized by obstinacy, moral perversity, and a willful resistance to wisdom and correction. Their foolishness is not a lack of intelligence but a deliberate rejection of God's ways and sound judgment, making them difficult and dangerous to engage with.
* **Folly (Hebrew, _ʼivveleth'_):** From H200, this word describes the "silliness" or "foolishness" that stems from the *kesil*. It refers to the senseless, irrational, often morally perverse behavior or speech that characterizes the fool. It is the manifestation of their internal disposition—their lack of sound judgment and their rejection of wisdom.
* **Like (Hebrew, _shâvâh'_):** From H7737, this root means "to level" or "to equalize," and figuratively, "to resemble." The warning "lest thou also be like unto him" implies that by engaging with the fool on their terms, one risks descending to their level, adopting their flawed reasoning, irrationality, or undignified behavior. It speaks to the danger of assimilation to the fool's character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Answer not a fool according to his folly":** This clause provides the primary prohibition. It does not forbid all interaction, but specifically warns against responding in a way that mirrors the fool's irrationality, absurdity, or moral depravity. To answer "according to his folly" means to adopt the fool's flawed logic, emotional reactivity, or senseless arguments, thereby validating their foolishness or becoming entangled in their nonsensical framework.
* **"lest thou also be like unto him."** This clause explains the critical consequence of ignoring the prohibition. The danger is not merely losing an argument, but losing one's own character and wisdom. By descending to the fool's level, one risks becoming indistinguishable from them, forfeiting one's own integrity, dignity, and reputation for wisdom. It is a warning against moral and intellectual contamination through misguided engagement.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 26:4 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Proverbial Antithesis**, where the verse presents a clear contrast between the wise action (not answering a fool in kind) and the negative consequence (becoming like the fool). This creates a stark choice for the reader. There is also a strong element of **Cautionary Instruction**, as the verse functions as a direct warning, guiding behavior by highlighting potential pitfalls. The phrase "lest thou also be like unto him" uses **Figurative Language** to describe the spiritual and intellectual assimilation that can occur when one compromises their principles to engage with foolishness. This is not a literal transformation, but a metaphorical one, where one's conduct and reputation become stained by the association.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 26:4 is a profound articulation of the wisdom tradition's emphasis on discernment and the careful stewardship of one's words and character. Theologically, it underscores the importance of maintaining a distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous, the wise and the foolish, reflecting God's own character of order and truth. It teaches that true wisdom, which has its source in God, is not merely about knowing what to say, but knowing when *not* to speak, and how to preserve one's integrity in the face of provocation. This principle aligns with the broader biblical call to live a life worthy of one's calling, avoiding the corrupting influences of the world. It is a call to spiritual maturity, recognizing that not every battle is worth fighting, especially if fighting it means compromising one's own spiritual or moral standing.

* [Matthew 7:6](/matthew/7-6 "Matthew 7:6 - Do Not Cast Pearls Before Swine")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Not Retaliating")
* [Titus 3:9](/titus/3-9 "Titus 3:9 - Avoid Foolish Disputes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb offers invaluable guidance for navigating the complexities of human interaction, especially in an age saturated with social media and public discourse where foolishness often reigns supreme. It challenges us to pause and consider the purpose of our responses. Is our goal to genuinely persuade, or merely to win an argument, or perhaps even to vent frustration? When confronted with irrationality, malice, or absurd claims, the temptation to retort in kind can be overwhelming. However, Proverbs 26:4 calls us to a higher standard, urging us to protect our peace, preserve our integrity, and maintain our witness. It teaches that true strength lies not in always having the last word, but in exercising the wisdom to know when silence, or a different mode of engagement, is the most profound and impactful response. This discernment prevents us from being dragged into fruitless debates that diminish our character and distract from what is truly important.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have I, perhaps unknowingly, "answered a fool according to his folly" and regretted it?**
* **What are specific situations in my life (e.g., family, work, online) where this proverb's counsel is most relevant?**
* **How can I cultivate the self-control and discernment necessary to choose a wise response, rather than an impulsive one, when provoked?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "fool" in the Bible and someone who is simply unintelligent?**

Answer: In biblical wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, the term "fool" (Hebrew: *kesil*) refers to much more than a lack of intellectual capacity. It describes a moral and spiritual condition. A biblical fool is someone who actively rejects wisdom, instruction, and the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of all true knowledge ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge")). They are often characterized by obstinacy, arrogance, and a resistance to correction, choosing their own destructive path over God's ways. This is distinct from someone who may simply lack formal education or quick wit; the fool's problem is one of character and will, not just intellect.

**How does Proverbs 26:4 reconcile with Proverbs 26:5, which seems to offer contradictory advice?**

Answer: Proverbs 26:4 and [Proverbs 26:5](/proverbs/26-5 "Proverbs 26:5 - The Counterpoint to Folly") form a classic example of **paradoxical wisdom** in the Book of Proverbs. They are not contradictory but complementary, requiring discernment. Verse 4 warns against descending to the fool's level, lest you become like them. Verse 5 advises answering a fool "according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit." The reconciliation lies in understanding the *purpose* of the response. Verse 4 applies when engaging would only validate their foolishness or compromise your integrity. Verse 5 applies when a specific, targeted response is necessary to expose their error, prevent them from deceiving others, or disabuse them of their self-perceived wisdom. The wisdom is in knowing *when* to apply each principle, based on the specific situation, the nature of the fool, and the desired outcome. It's about strategic engagement, not a one-size-fits-all rule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 26:4, in its call to exercise discernment and self-control when confronted with folly, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus frequently encountered those who were foolish in the biblical sense—those who rejected truth, were obstinate in their unbelief, and sought to trap Him with senseless questions. Yet, Jesus consistently demonstrated impeccable wisdom in His responses, often refusing to engage on their terms when doing so would be futile or compromise His divine mission. For instance, when Pilate questioned Him about His kingship, Jesus gave a profound but measured answer, and then remained silent when further questioning would have been pointless ([John 18:33-37](/john/18-33 "John 18:33-37 - Jesus Before Pilate")). Similarly, before Herod, Jesus offered no reply, recognizing the king's foolish curiosity and lack of genuine spiritual interest ([Luke 23:9](/luke/23-9 "Luke 23:9 - Jesus Before Herod")). He did not descend to the level of His accusers, even when they hurled insults and false accusations, fulfilling the prophecy of [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted, Yet He Opened Not His Mouth"). Jesus perfectly exemplified the principle of not answering a fool according to his folly, thereby preserving His holiness and demonstrating the wisdom of God, which is often foolishness to the world ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Human Wisdom")). His example teaches believers to respond to foolishness with grace, truth, and strategic silence, rather than allowing the world's folly to dictate our conduct and diminish our witness for the Kingdom of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 26:5

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

1 Peter 3:9

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

1 Kings 12:14

And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father [also] chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

1 Kings 12:16

¶ So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither [have we] inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

Judges 12:1

¶ And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire.

Judges 12:6

Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce [it] right. Then they took him, and slew him at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand.

Proverbs 17:14

¶ The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.