Proverbs 26:4

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

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 Like a fluttering sparrow or a flying swallow, an undeserved curse will come home to roost.

3 A whip for a horse, a bridle for a donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.

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

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

6 Telling a message to a fool and sending him out is like cutting off one's feet and drinking violence.