Parallel Verses
NET Bible
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you yourself also be like him.
New American Standard Bible
Or you will also be like him.
King James Version
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Holman Bible
or you’ll be like him yourself.
International Standard Version
Don't answer a fool according to his foolishness, or you will be just like him.
A Conservative Version
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like to him.
American Standard Version
Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.
Amplified
Do not answer [nor pretend to agree with the frivolous comments of] a [closed-minded] fool according to his folly,
Otherwise you, even you, will be like him.
Bible in Basic English
Do not give to the foolish man a foolish answer, or you will be like him.
Darby Translation
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Julia Smith Translation
Thou shalt not answer the foolish according to his folly lest thou shalt be like to him.
King James 2000
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like unto him.
Lexham Expanded Bible
Do not answer a fool according to his folly lest you become like him--even you.
Modern King James verseion
Do not answer a fool according to his foolishness, lest you also be like him.
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
Give not the fool an answer after his foolishness, lest thou become like unto him;
New Heart English Bible
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.
The Emphasized Bible
Do not answer a dullard, according to his folly, lest, even thou thyself, become like him;
Webster
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like him.
World English Bible
Don't answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.
Youngs Literal Translation
Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou be like to him -- even thou.
Interlinear
References
Hastings
Word Count of 20 Translations in Proverbs 26:4
Verse Info
Context Readings
All About Fools
3 A whip for the horse and a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! 4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you yourself also be like him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own estimation.
Cross References
Judges 12:1-6
The Ephraimites assembled and crossed over to Zaphon. They said to Jephthah, "Why did you go and fight with the Ammonites without asking us to go with you? We will burn your house down right over you!"
2 Samuel 19:41-43
Then all the men of Israel began coming to the king. They asked the king, "Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, sneak the king away and help the king and his household cross the Jordan -- and not only him but all of David's men as well?"
1 Kings 12:14
and followed the advice of the younger ones. He said, "My father imposed heavy demands on you; I will make them even heavier. My father punished you with ordinary whips; I will punish you with whips that really sting your flesh."
1 Kings 12:16
When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, the people answered the king, "We have no portion in David, no share in the son of Jesse! Return to your homes, O Israel! Now, look after your own dynasty, O David!" So Israel returned to their homes.
2 Kings 14:8-10
Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel. He said, "Come, let's meet face to face."
Proverbs 17:14
Starting a quarrel is like letting out water; stop it before strife breaks out!
Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own estimation.
Isaiah 36:21
They were silent and did not respond, for the king had ordered, "Don't respond to him."
1 Peter 2:21-23
For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps.
1 Peter 3:9
Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing.
Jude 1:9
But even when Michael the archangel was arguing with the devil and debating with him concerning Moses' body, he did not dare to bring a slanderous judgment, but said, "May the Lord rebuke you!"