Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Original Language Analysis
עֲנֵ֣ה
Answer
H6030
עֲנֵ֣ה
Answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 7
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,
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
יִהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Romans 12:16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.Proverbs 28:11The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.Proverbs 3:7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Proverbs 26:4Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.Romans 11:25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.John 8:7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.Titus 1:13This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
Historical Context
Jewish wisdom tradition embraced paradox and situation-dependent wisdom. Life's complexity requires multiple, sometimes seemingly contradictory, principles applied with discernment.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern when to answer a fool (verse 5) versus when to remain silent (verse 4)?
- What situations require exposing folly lest it grow unchecked?
- How does this pair of proverbs teach the need for wisdom in application, not just knowledge of rules?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse seems to contradict verse 4: 'Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.' But both are true in different contexts. Sometimes answering exposes folly and prevents self-deception. The Hebrew 'pen yihyeh chakam be'eynay' (lest he be wise in his own eyes) emphasizes the danger of fools thinking themselves wise when unchallenged. Wisdom requires discerning when silence enables pride and when rebuke is necessary. Reformed theology values balanced application of truth to specific situations, not rigid legalism.