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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 />Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not answer a fool according to his foolishness, Or you will also be like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you yourself also be like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not answer [nor pretend to agree with the frivolous comments of] a [closed-minded] fool according to his folly, Otherwise you, even you, will be like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishness or you’ll be like him yourself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217t answer a fool according to his foolishness or you&#8217ll be like him yourself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't make a fool of yourself by answering a fool. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not answer a fool with his own stupidity, or you will be like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you answer a silly question, you are just as silly as the person who asked it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't answer a fool according to his foolishness, or you will be just like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you yourself also be like him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not answer a fool according to his folly, "" Lest you are like to him—even you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou be like to him -- even thou.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not answer the foolish according to his folly lest thou shalt be like to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou be made like him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Do not respond to the foolish according to his folly, lest you become like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not answer fools according to their folly, lest you too become like them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not answer fools according to their folly, or you will be a fool yourself.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be also like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not give answer to a fool according to his foolishness, lest you also be like him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou become like him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/26-4.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=5304" 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">3</span>A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ta·‘an (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-2ms) -- To answer, respond.">answer</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: kə·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.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’āt·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you yourself</a> <a href="/hebrew/7737.htm" title="7737: tiš·weh- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to level, i.e. Equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust.">will be like him.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.…<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="/proverbs/26-5.htm">Proverbs 26:5</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="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="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7</a></span><br />a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,<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="/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9</a></span><br />If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.<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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9</a></span><br />Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<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="/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="/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 not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like to him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14</a></b></br> The beginning of strife <i>is as</i> when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/12-1.htm">Judges 12:1-6</a></b></br> 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… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/19-41.htm">2 Samuel 19:41-43</a></b></br> 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? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/24-9.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-3.htm">Foolish</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/26-5.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-5.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-5.htm">Foolish</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>Do not answer a fool according to his folly</b><br>This phrase advises against engaging with a fool on their terms. In biblical context, a "fool" is often someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>. The cultural backdrop of ancient Israel valued wisdom and discernment, and engaging with a fool could lead to fruitless arguments. This advice is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus often chose not to respond to the Pharisees' attempts to trap Him with foolish questions (<a href="/matthew/22-15.htm">Matthew 22:15-22</a>). The wisdom here is in recognizing when a conversation will not be productive and choosing to refrain from engaging in a manner that lowers one's own standards.<p><b>or you yourself will be like him</b><br>This part of the verse warns that responding to a fool in kind can result in becoming like the fool. The historical context of this proverb suggests that wisdom was not just about knowledge but about maintaining one's integrity and character. Engaging in foolish arguments can lead to a loss of self-control and dignity, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9</a>, where it states that a wise person finds no rest in a dispute with a fool. This principle is also reflected in the life of Jesus, who maintained His composure and wisdom even when provoked by those who opposed Him. The call here is to rise above foolishness and maintain a standard of wisdom and grace.<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. His proverbs are intended to impart wisdom and understanding.<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 their rejection of God’s ways and their inclination towards folly.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_engagement.htm">Discernment in Engagement</a></b><br>Not every situation requires a response. Wisdom involves knowing when to engage and when to refrain from engaging with foolishness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_folly.htm">Guarding Against Folly</a></b><br>Engaging with a fool on their terms can lead to becoming like them. It is crucial to maintain integrity and wisdom in all interactions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_communication.htm">Wisdom in Communication</a></b><br>Our words and responses should reflect wisdom and understanding, avoiding the trap of descending into foolish arguments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/maintaining_godly_character.htm">Maintaining Godly Character</a></b><br>Our interactions should always reflect the character of Christ, avoiding behaviors that compromise our witness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_context.htm">Understanding Context</a></b><br>Each situation requires a unique approach. Seek God’s guidance to discern the appropriate response to foolishness.<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/how_to_reconcile_proverbs_26_on_fools.htm">Proverbs 26 (overall): How do we reconcile the repeated harshness toward “fools” with biblical themes of mercy, forgiveness, and understanding?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/common_questions_about_proverbs.htm">What are common questions about proverbs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_avoid_casting_pearls_before_swine.htm">Why did Jesus advise against casting pearls before swine?</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>(4) <span class= "bld">Answer not a fool.--</span>Comp. <a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm" title="How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?">Proverbs 1:22</a>.<p><span class= "bld">According to his folly.--</span>Do not lower yourself by disputing or arguing with him; he will not take in your meaning, and will think he has got the better of you, perhaps will insult you. It is noticeable that our Lord never answered a question which should not have been asked Him, but always put it by (<span class= "ital">e.g., </span><a href="/matthew/21-23.htm" title="And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority do you these things? and who gave you this authority?">Matthew 21:23</a>, <span class= "ital">sqq.; </span><a href="/context/luke/13-23.htm" title="Then said one to him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said to them,">Luke 13:23-24</a>; <a href="/luke/23-9.htm" title="Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.">Luke 23:9</a>; <a href="/context/john/21-21.htm" title="Peter seeing him said to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?">John 21:21-22</a>; <a href="/acts/1-6.htm" title="When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?">Acts 1:6</a>, <span class= "ital">sqq.</span>)<span class= "ital">.</span> . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Answer not a fool according to his folly.</span> Do not lower yourself to the fool's level by answering his silly questions or arguing with him as if he were a sensible man. Lest thou also be like unto him; lest you be led to utter folly yourself or to side with him in his opinions and practices. Our blessed Saviour never responded to foolish and captious questions in the way that the questioner hoped and desired, he put them by or gave an unexpected turn to them which silenced the adversary. Instances may be seen in <a href="/matthew/21-23.htm">Matthew 21:23</a>, etc.; Matthew 22:21, 22; <a href="/luke/13-23.htm">Luke 13:23</a>, etc.; <a href="/john/21-21.htm">John 21:21</a>, etc. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/26-4.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">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answer</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֣עַן</span> <span class="translit">(ta·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - second person 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">כְּ֭סִיל</span> <span class="translit">(kə·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">or</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּֽן־</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">you yourself</span><br /><span class="heb">אָֽתָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(’āt·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be like him.</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּשְׁוֶה־</span> <span class="translit">(tiš·weh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7737.htm">Strong's 7737: </a> </span><span class="str2">To level, equalize, to resemble, to adjust</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:4 Don't answer a fool according to his (Prov. 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