Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The real danger here isn't just stooping to a fool's level in argument; it's about imitating their foolishness. The verse warns that by mirroring their "folly"—their shallow thinking, angry tone, or disrespectful approach—you risk becoming indistinguishable from them in wisdom and character. This isn't about what you say, but how you say it, ensuring your response doesn't undermine your own integrity.
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears amidst a collection of observations about fools and their behavior. It follows warnings about how easily folly can spread and immediately precedes advice on how to engage with fools to prevent them from thinking they've won an argument. The surrounding verses establish a pattern of contrasting wisdom and foolishness, guiding the reader on navigating social interactions with those who lack sense.
Ever gotten so frustrated in an argument that you started saying things you later regretted? This verse warns against that exact trap.
The core message here is about the danger of mirroring the foolishness of others. When a "fool" (someone acting without sense, often with malice or arrogance) attacks with insults, lies, or baseless arguments, the immediate temptation is to strike back with the same weapons.
But the proverb cautions strongly against this. Responding "according to his folly" means adopting their style – becoming just as irrational, insulting, or illogical. The result? "Lest you also be like him." You lose your own integrity and become indistinguishable from the foolishness you opposed. It’s a call to maintain your own character, even when provoked.
This proverb seems simple, but it's part of a larger wisdom that knows when and how to engage. Sometimes silence is golden, sometimes a specific response is needed.
While Proverbs 26:4 warns against answering according to folly, other verses in Proverbs (like 26:5) suggest that sometimes a fool should be answered. The key isn't a blanket silence, but discerning wisdom.
Consider these distinctions:
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Understand the original words
ʿānāh · Hebrew Verb
To respond or reply, often implying an interaction that carries consequences; in the context of wisdom, it involves discerning when and how to engage with the discourse of others.
ʾiwwelṯ · Hebrew Noun
A lack of discernment, a rejection of godly wisdom, or behavior that is morally bankrupt and contrary to the fear of the Lord. It signifies a person acting as if God does not exist or does not matter.
Jesus warns against giving 'what is holy' to dogs or pearls to pigs, a similar concept of discerning when and to whom to direct your words or wisdom, lest it be devalued or harmful.
1 Peter 3:15This passage calls believers to 'always be ready to give an answer' but importantly adds 'with gentleness and respect,' highlighting the *manner* of response, which directly aligns with Proverbs' warning against answering 'according to his folly'.
Galatians 6:1Paul instructs to 'restore gently' those caught in a sin, which implies discernment in how we approach those who have stumbled, mirroring the Proverbs' caution against stooping to a foolish level.
2 Timothy 2:23-24Paul advises against engaging in 'foolish, ignorant controversies' that only stir up quarrels, instead urging a servant of the Lord to be 'gentle toward all,' reinforcing the idea of choosing our battles and responses wisely.
pooleProverbs 26:4: "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him."
How can these contrary rules be reconciled, answer him not , and answer him ? Answ . Easily, by considering the difference of persons, and times, and places, and other circumstances, and of the manner of answering. And such seemingly contradictory precepts are not only used by, but are esteemed elegant in, other authors. Answer him not, when he is incorrigible, or when he is inflamed with passion or wine…
gillProverbs 26:4: "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him."
Answer not a fool according to his folly,.... Sometimes a fool, or wicked man, is not to be answered at all; as the ministers of Hezekiah answered not a word to Rabshakeh; nor Jeremiah the prophet to Hananiah; nor Christ to the Scribes and Pharisees; and when an answer is returned, it should not be in his foolish way and manner, rendering evil for evil, and railing for railing, in the same virulent, lyin…
The real danger here isn't just stooping to a fool's level in argument; it's about imitating their foolishness. The verse warns that by mirroring their "folly"—their shallow thinking, angry tone, or disrespectful approach—you risk becoming indistinguishable from them in wisdom and character. This isn't about what you say, but how you say it, ensuring your response doesn't undermine your own integrity.
This verse appears amidst a collection of observations about fools and their behavior. It follows warnings about how easily folly can spread and immediately precedes advice on how to engage with fools to prevent them from thinking they've won an argument. The surrounding verses establish a pattern of contrasting wisdom and foolishness, guiding the reader on navigating social interactions with those who lack sense.
This verse appears amidst a collection of observations about fools and their behavior. It follows warnings about how easily folly can spread and immediately precedes advice on how to engage with fools to prevent them from thinking they've won an argument. The surrounding verses establish a pattern of contrasting wisdom and foolishness, guiding the reader on navigating social interactions with those who lack sense.
"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself." — The real danger here isn't just stooping to a fool's level in argument; it's about imitating their foolishness. The verse warns that by mirroring their "folly"—their shallow thinking, angry tone, o…
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Last reviewed October 2026