Proverbs 26:4

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou be made like him.

Proverbs 26:4 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 26:4

Answer not a fool according to his folly
Sometimes a fool, or wicked man, is not to be answered at all; as the ministers of Hezekiah answered not a word to Rabshakeh; nor Jeremiah the prophet to Hananiah; nor Christ to the Scribes and Pharisees; and when an answer is returned, it should not be in his foolish way and manner, rendering evil for evil, and railing for railing, in the same virulent, lying, calumniating, and reproachful language; lest thou also be like unto him;
lest thou also, who art a man of understanding and sense, and hast passed for one among men, come under the same imputation, and be reckoned a fool like him.

Proverbs 26:4 In-Context

2 As a bird flying to other places, and a sparrow going here or there: so a curse uttered without cause shall come upon a man.

3 A whip for a horse, and a snaffle for an ass, and a rod for the back of fools.

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou be made like him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he imagine himself to be wise.

6 He that sendeth words by a foolish messenger, is lame of feet and drinketh iniquity.