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Proverbs 26:4

WisdomWords and speechConflict and reconciliation

2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

3 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.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

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Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.
KJV
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
WEB
Don’t answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.
ASV
Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.
DARBY
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
BLB
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you be likened to him—even you.
ÅB
Svar ikke dåren etter hans dårskap, for at du ikke selv skal bli ham lik!
OTB
Svar ikke en dåre etter hans dårskap, for at du ikke skal bli lik ham selv.
B1930
Svar ikke dåren efter hans dårskap, forat du ikke selv skal bli ham lik!

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Peter 3:9

    Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

    Read in context

  • Proverbs 26:5

    Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

    Read in context

  • Jude 1:9

    Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

    Read in context

  • Proverbs 17:14

    The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

    Read in context

  • 1 Kings 12:14

    And 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.

    Read in context

  • 1 Kings 12:16

    So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

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  • 2 Samuel 19:41–43

    And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David’s men with him, over Jordan?

    Read in context

  • Judges 12:1–6

    And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire.

    Read in context