Proverbs 26:5

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

Answer {H6030} a fool {H3684} according to his folly {H200}, lest he be wise {H2450} in his own conceit {H5869}.

but answer a fool as his folly deserves, so that he won't think he is wise.

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.

Proverbs 26:5 presents a crucial piece of wisdom regarding how to interact with individuals characterized by foolishness. This verse, often read in conjunction with its preceding verse, Proverbs 26:4, offers a seemingly paradoxical instruction that highlights the nuanced nature of true wisdom.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of practical wisdom, offering guidance for living a righteous and discerning life. Chapters 25-29 are often attributed to "the men of Hezekiah," suggesting a compilation during that king's reign. The immediate context of Proverbs 26:4-5 is a pair of instructions that appear contradictory: "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him" (Proverbs 26:4) and "Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit" (Proverbs 26:5). This juxtaposition is not a contradiction but a call for discernment, emphasizing that there are times to engage and times to refrain, depending on the specific circumstances and the desired outcome. The wisdom lies in knowing which approach to take.

Key Themes

  • Discretion in Engagement: This proverb stresses the importance of knowing when and how to respond to foolishness. It's about strategic engagement, not merely winning an argument. The goal is to prevent the fool from becoming entrenched in their error or causing further harm.
  • Challenging Self-Conceit: The primary purpose of answering a fool in this context is to deflate their inflated self-opinion. A fool left unchallenged can become "wise in his own conceit," meaning they believe their foolish ideas are sound, leading to further error and potential harm. This warning against self-conceit echoes other biblical teachings on pride leading to destruction.
  • Consequences of Unchecked Folly: The verse highlights that unchallenged foolishness can breed arrogance and solidify harmful perspectives. Sometimes, a direct, appropriate response is necessary to expose the absurdity or danger of a fool's words or actions, for their own good or the good of others.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fool" here is primarily kesil (כְּסִיל), which refers to someone who is not merely unintelligent but morally deficient, obstinate, and resistant to wisdom and correction. They are often characterized by a lack of moral discernment and a tendency towards self-destructive behavior. "Folly" ('ivveleth - אִוֶּלֶת) denotes moral stupidity or perversity rather than simple lack of knowledge. "Conceit" ('ayin - עֵינָיו) literally means "his eyes" and is used idiomatically to signify "in his own opinion" or "in his own sight," emphasizing a deeply ingrained self-deception and arrogance. A true understanding of wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD, which stands in stark contrast to the fool's self-reliance.

Practical Application

This verse teaches us that engaging with foolishness requires wisdom and discernment. We must carefully consider the motive and the potential outcome of our response. If a fool's words or actions are causing harm, spreading misinformation, or leading them further into destructive pride, then a measured, wise response "according to his folly" may be necessary. This doesn't mean stooping to their level or engaging in a petty argument, but rather using a response that exposes the absurdity or danger of their position in a way they might understand, or that at least prevents them from thinking their foolishness is validated. This principle applies in various modern contexts, from personal interactions to discussions on social media, emphasizing the need for strategic and impactful communication.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 16:1

    ¶ The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

  • Matthew 16:4

    A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

  • Romans 12:16

    [Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

  • Proverbs 28:11

    ¶ The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

  • John 8:7

    So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

  • Romans 11:25

    For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

  • Proverbs 3:7

    ¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

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