Proverbs 26:4
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּ֣עַן
Answer
H6030
תַּ֣עַן
Answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
כְּ֭סִיל
not a fool
H3684
כְּ֭סִיל
not a fool
Strong's:
H3684
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
פֶּֽן
H6435
פֶּֽן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
תִּשְׁוֶה
lest thou also be like
H7737
תִּשְׁוֶה
lest thou also be like
Strong's:
H7737
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to level, i.e., equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust (i.e., counterbalance, be suitable, compose, place, yield, et
Cross References
Proverbs 26:5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.1 Peter 3:9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.1 Kings 12:14And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
Historical Context
Wisdom literature valued knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. Engaging every fool wastes time and often leads to being drawn into unprofitable disputes that accomplish nothing.
Questions for Reflection
- When are you tempted to engage with fools in ways that make you foolish?
- How do you discern when to respond and when to remain silent?
- What does maintaining wisdom while addressing folly look like practically?
Analysis & Commentary
Don't answer a fool 'according to his folly' lest you become like him. Engaging fools on their terms drags you into foolishness. The Hebrew 'anah' (answer) and 'damah' (be like) warn against adopting foolish methods or arguments to counter folly. This requires discernment about when and how to respond. Reformed theology values measured responses to opposition. Sometimes silence is wise; sometimes rebuke is necessary (next verse). But we must not become what we oppose—returning insult for insult or adopting foolish argumentation.