Mishle 26:4

4 Answer not a kesil (fool) according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

Mishle 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.

Mishle 26:4 In-Context

2 As the tzippor in its fluttering, as the swallow in its flying, so the kelelah (curse) without cause shall not alight.

3 A shot (whip) for the sus, a bridle for the chamor, and a shevet for the back of kesilim.

4 Answer not a kesil (fool) according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

5 Answer a kesil (fool) according to his folly, lest he be chacham in his own eyes.

6 He that sendeth a message by the yad of a kesil (fool) cutteth off the raglayim, and drinketh chamas.