Proverbs Chapter 26 verse 4 Holy Bible
Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.
read chapter 26 in ASV
Do not give to the foolish man a foolish answer, or you will be like him.
read chapter 26 in BBE
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
read chapter 26 in DARBY
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
read chapter 26 in KJV
read chapter 26 in WBT
Don't answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.
read chapter 26 in WEB
Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou be like to him -- even thou.
read chapter 26 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 4. - Answer not a fool according to his folly. Do not lower yourself to the fool's level by answering his silly questions or arguing with him as if he were a sensible man. Lest thou also be like unto him; lest you be led to utter folly yourself or to side with him in his opinions and practices. Our blessed Saviour never responded to foolish and captious questions in the way that the questioner hoped and desired, he put them by or gave an unexpected turn to them which silenced the adversary. Instances may be seen in Matthew 21:23, etc.; Matthew 22:21, 22; Luke 13:23, etc.; John 21:21, etc.
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(4) Answer not a fool.--Comp. Proverbs 1:22.According to his folly.--Do not lower yourself by disputing or arguing with him; he will not take in your meaning, and will think he has got the better of you, perhaps will insult you. It is noticeable that our Lord never answered a question which should not have been asked Him, but always put it by (e.g., Matthew 21:23, sqq.; Luke 13:23-24; Luke 23:9; John 21:21-22; Acts 1:6, sqq.). . . .