King James Version
Proverbs 26:4 in the King James Version says “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.”
Proverbs 26:4 · KJV
As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. conceit: Heb. eyes
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. damage: or, violence
KJV Study — Public Domain
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
“Answer”
H6030properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
“lest thou also be like”
H7737properly, to level, i.e., equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust (i.e., counterbalance, be suitable, compose, place, yield, et
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Proverbs 26:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Proverbs 26:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge