Parallel Verses
Amplified
Answer [and correct the erroneous concepts of] a fool according to his folly,
Otherwise he will be wise in his own eyes [if he thinks you agree with him].
New American Standard Bible
That he not be
King James Version
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Holman Bible
or he’ll become wise in his own eyes.
International Standard Version
Answer a fool according to his foolishness, or he will think himself to be wise.
A Conservative Version
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
American Standard Version
Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Bible in Basic English
Give a foolish man a foolish answer, or he will seem wise to himself.
Darby Translation
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Julia Smith Translation
Answer the foolish according to his folly lest he shall be wise in his own eyes.
King James 2000
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Lexham Expanded Bible
Answer a fool according to his folly, or else he will be wise in his own eyes.
Modern King James verseion
Answer a fool according to his foolishness, so that he may not be wise in his own eyes.
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
but make the fool an answer to his foolishness, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
NET Bible
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own estimation.
New Heart English Bible
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
The Emphasized Bible
Answer a dullard according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.
Webster
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
World English Bible
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Youngs Literal Translation
Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Interlinear
Word Count of 20 Translations in Proverbs 26:5
Verse Info
Context Readings
All About Fools
4
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.
Answer [and correct the erroneous concepts of] a fool according to his folly,
Otherwise he will be wise in his own eyes [if he thinks you agree with him].
He who sends a message by the hand of a fool
Cuts off his own feet (sabotages himself) and drinks the violence [it brings on himself as a consequence].
Cross References
Proverbs 28:11
The rich man [who is conceited and relies on his wealth instead of God] is wise in his own eyes,
But the poor man who has understanding [because he relies on God] is able to see through him.
Matthew 16:1-4
Now the Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Jesus [to get something to use against Him], they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven [which would support His divine authority].
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself.
1 Kings 22:24-28
But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah approached and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “How did the Spirit of the Lord pass from me to speak to you?”
Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil.
Proverbs 26:4
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.
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man [who is unteachable and] wise in his own eyes and full of self-conceit?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Isaiah 5:21
Woe (judgment is coming) to those who are wise in their own eyes
And clever and shrewd in their own sight!
Jeremiah 36:17-18
And they asked Baruch, “Tell us now, how did you write all these words? At his (Jeremiah’s) dictation?”
Matthew 15:1-3
Then some Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem came to Jesus and said,
Matthew 21:23-27
When He entered the temple area, the
Matthew 22:15-32
Then the Pharisees went and conspired together plotting how to trap Him by [distorting] what He said.
Luke 12:13-21
Someone from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.”
Luke 13:23-30
And someone asked Him, “Lord, will only a few be saved [from the penalties of the last judgment]?” And He said to them,
John 8:7
However, when they persisted in questioning Him, He straightened up and said,
John 9:26-33
So they said to him, “What did He [actually] do to you? How did He open your eyes?”
Romans 11:25
I do not want you, believers, to be unaware of this mystery [God’s previously hidden plan]—so that you will not be wise in your own opinion—that a partial hardening has [temporarily] happened to Israel [to last] until the full number of the Gentiles has come in;
Titus 1:13
This description is true. So rebuke them sharply so that they will be sound in the faith and free from doctrinal error,