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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/26.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Answer a fool as his foolishness <i>deserves,</i> So that he will not be wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Answer a fool as his folly deserves, That he not be wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Answer a fool as his folly <i>deserves</i>, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />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].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his foolishness or he’ll become wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his foolishness or he&#8217ll become wise in his own eyes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But if you answer any fools, show how foolish they are, so they won't feel smart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Answer a fool with his own stupidity, or he will think he is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Give a silly answer to a silly question, and the one who asked it will realize that he's not as smart as he thinks. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his foolishness, or he will think himself to be wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own estimation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, "" Lest he is wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Answer the foolish according to his folly lest he shall be wise in his own eyes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he imagine himself to be wise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Respond to the foolish according to his folly, lest he imagine himself to be wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Answer fools according to their folly, lest they become wise in their own eyes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Answer fools according to their folly, or they will be wise in their own eyes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But answer a fool according to your wisdom, lest he think in himself that he is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />But speak with a fool according to your wisdom lest he think in his soul that he is wise.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Yet answer a fool according to his folly, lest he seem wise in his own conceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/26-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5311" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Similitudes and Instructions</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ‘ă·nêh (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To answer, respond.">Answer</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: ḵə·sîl (N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">a fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/200.htm" title="200: kə·’iw·wal·tōw (Prep-k:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Folly. From the same as 'eviyl; silliness.">according to his folly,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">lest</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">he become</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥā·ḵām (Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·nāw (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">in his own eyes.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>Like cutting off one’s own feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Matthew 7:6</a></span><br />Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a></span><br />Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23</a></span><br />But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19</a></span><br />For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9</a></span><br />But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-26.htm">Luke 20:26</a></span><br />And they were unable to trap Him in His words before the people. And amazed at His answer, they fell silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a></span><br />But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-17</a></span><br />Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:1-3</a></span><br />As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. / A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. / Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm">Proverbs 9:7-8</a></span><br />He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. / Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7</a></span><br />Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12</a></span><br />It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.</p><p class="hdg">fool</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/22-24.htm">1 Kings 22:24-28</a></b></br> But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/36-17.htm">Jeremiah 36:17,18</a></b></br> And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/15-1.htm">Matthew 15:1-3</a></b></br> Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, … </p><p class="hdg">lest</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12</a></b></br> Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? <i>there is</i> more hope of a fool than of him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-11.htm">Proverbs 28:11</a></b></br> The rich man <i>is</i> wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/11-25.htm">Romans 11:25</a></b></br> For 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.</p><p class="hdg">conceit</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/5-21.htm">Isaiah 5:21</a></b></br> Woe unto <i>them that are</i> wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-16.htm">Romans 12:16</a></b></br> <i>Be</i> 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.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/18-11.htm">Conceit</a> <a href="/job/34-11.htm">Deserves</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-7.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-2.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-12.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">Conceit</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-11.htm">Deserves</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-6.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-6.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-7.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">observations about fools</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">about sluggards</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm">and about contentious busybodies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Answer a fool according to his folly</b><br>This phrase suggests engaging with a fool in a manner that addresses their foolishness directly. In biblical context, a "fool" is often someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, as seen throughout Proverbs. The instruction here contrasts with the previous verse, which advises not to answer a fool according to his folly. This indicates the need for discernment in different situations. The cultural context of ancient Israel valued wisdom and understanding, and addressing folly was crucial to maintaining social and spiritual order. This approach can be seen in Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees, where He often answered their folly with wisdom that exposed their misunderstandings (e.g., <a href="/matthew/22-15.htm">Matthew 22:15-22</a>).<p><b>lest he become wise in his own eyes</b><br>This part of the verse warns against allowing a fool to remain in their self-deception. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, being "wise in one's own eyes" was a dangerous form of pride and self-reliance, often leading to further folly and sin. The Bible frequently warns against self-deception and pride (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/5-21.htm">Isaiah 5:21</a>, <a href="/romans/12-16.htm">Romans 12:16</a>). By addressing a fool's folly, one prevents them from becoming entrenched in their misguided beliefs. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of humility and the pursuit of true wisdom, which comes from God. The ultimate example of wisdom is found in Jesus Christ, who embodies divine wisdom and calls His followers to seek understanding through Him (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a>, <a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart practical wisdom and guidance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/fool.htm">Fool</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often characterized by arrogance and a refusal to learn or accept correction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_in_his_own_eyes.htm">Wise in His Own Eyes</a></b><br>This phrase describes someone who is self-deceived, believing themselves to be wise when they are not. It is a state of pride and self-sufficiency that Proverbs warns against.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_engagement.htm">Discernment in Engagement</a></b><br>Understand when to engage with a fool and when to refrain. Not every situation requires a response, but some do to prevent further folly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preventing_self-deception.htm">Preventing Self-Deception</a></b><br>Addressing foolishness can prevent someone from becoming wise in their own eyes. This is an act of love and correction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_communication.htm">Wisdom in Communication</a></b><br>Use wisdom to determine the appropriate response. Sometimes a direct answer is necessary to expose folly and bring about correction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_pride.htm">Guarding Against Pride</a></b><br>Be cautious of becoming wise in your own eyes. Seek humility and wisdom from God to avoid the pitfalls of pride.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_truth_and_grace.htm">Balancing Truth and Grace</a></b><br>When answering a fool, balance truth with grace. The goal is correction and growth, not simply winning an argument.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/proverbs_26_4-5__why_aren't_they_contradictory.htm">Proverbs 26:4–5: How can these adjacent verses not be contradictory when they offer opposite instructions on answering fools? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_fools.htm">What does the Bible say about fools?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_proverbs_26_4-5_contradict.htm">Why do Proverbs 26:4-5 seem contradictory?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/common_questions_about_proverbs.htm">What are common questions about proverbs?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">Answer a fool according to his folly.--</span>As his folly deserves, sharply and decisively, and in language suited to his comprehension.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Answer a fool according to his folly.</span> This maxim at first sight seems absolutely antagonistic to the purport of the preceding verse; but it is not so really. The words, "according to his folly," in this verse mean, as his folly deserves, in so plain a way as is expose it, and shame him, and bring him to a better mind. <span class="cmt_word">Lest he be wise in his own conceit;</span> thinking, it may be, that he has said something worth hearing, or put you to silence by his superior intelligence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/26-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Answer</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲנֵ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a fool</span><br /><span class="heb">כְ֭סִיל</span> <span class="translit">(ḵə·sîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">according to his folly,</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּאִוַּלְתּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(kə·’iw·wal·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_200.htm">Strong's 200: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silliness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lest</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(pen-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> </span><span class="str2">Removal, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he become</span><br /><span class="heb">יִהְיֶ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(yih·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wise</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in his own eyes.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעֵינָֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ê·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/26-5.htm">Proverbs 26:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26-5.htm">Proverbs 26:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/26-5.htm">Proverbs 26:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26-5.htm">Proverbs 26:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26-5.htm">Proverbs 26:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/26-5.htm">Proverbs 26:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/26-5.htm">Proverbs 26:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/26-5.htm">Proverbs 26:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/26-5.htm">Proverbs 26:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/26-5.htm">Proverbs 26:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/26-5.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 26:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/26-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 26:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>