Parallel Verses
International Standard Version
Answer a fool according to his foolishness, or he will think himself to be wise.
New American Standard Bible
That he not be
King James Version
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Holman Bible
or he’ll become wise in his own eyes.
A Conservative Version
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
American Standard Version
Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Amplified
Answer [and correct the erroneous concepts of] a fool according to his folly,
Otherwise he will be wise in his own eyes [if he thinks you agree with him].
Bible in Basic English
Give a foolish man a foolish answer, or he will seem wise to himself.
Darby Translation
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Julia Smith Translation
Answer the foolish according to his folly lest he shall be wise in his own eyes.
King James 2000
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Lexham Expanded Bible
Answer a fool according to his folly, or else he will be wise in his own eyes.
Modern King James verseion
Answer a fool according to his foolishness, so that he may not be wise in his own eyes.
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
but make the fool an answer to his foolishness, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
NET Bible
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own estimation.
New Heart English Bible
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
The Emphasized Bible
Answer a dullard according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.
Webster
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
World English Bible
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Youngs Literal Translation
Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Interlinear
Word Count of 20 Translations in Proverbs 26:5
Verse Info
Context Readings
All About Fools
4 Don't answer a fool according to his foolishness, or you will be just like him. 5 Answer a fool according to his foolishness, or he will think himself to be wise. 6 Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
Cross References
Proverbs 28:11
The rich man may be wise in his own opinion; but a discerning, poor man sees through him.
Matthew 16:1-4
When the Pharisees and Sadducees arrived, in order to test Jesus they asked him to show them a sign from heaven.
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, but associate with humble people. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are.
1 Kings 22:24-28
Right then, Chenaanah's son Zedekiah approached Micaiah and struck him on the cheek. Then he asked him, "How did the Spirit of the LORD move from me to speak to you?"
Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own opinion. Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
Proverbs 26:4
Don't answer a fool according to his foolishness, or you will be just like him.
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man who is wise in his own opinion? There's more hope for a fool than for him.
Isaiah 5:21
"How terrible it will be for those who are wise in their own opinion, and clever in their own reckoning!
Jeremiah 36:17-18
Then they asked Baruch, "Please tell us how you wrote all the words. Did Jeremiah dictate them all?"
Matthew 15:1-3
Then some Pharisees and scribes came from Jerusalem to Jesus and asked,
Matthew 21:23-27
Then Jesus went into the Temple. While he was teaching, the high priests and the elders of the people came to him and asked, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?"
Matthew 22:15-32
Then the Pharisees went and planned how to trap Jesus in conversation.
Luke 12:13-21
Then someone in the crowd told him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me."
Luke 13:23-30
Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"
John 8:7
When they persisted in questioning him, he straightened up and told them, "Let the person among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."
John 9:26-33
Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he heal your eyes?"
Romans 11:25
For I want to let you know about this secret, brothers, so that you will not claim to be wiser than you are: Stubbornness has come to part of Israel until the full number of the gentiles comes to faith.
Titus 1:13
That statement is true. For this reason, refute them sharply so that they may become healthy in the faith