Proverbs 26:5 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Proverbs 26:5

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

Answer a fool according to his folly. 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.

Lest he be wise in his own conceit; thinking, it may be, that he has said something worth hearing, or put you to silence by his superior intelligence.

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Proverbs 26 — OverviewProverbs 26 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleProper Treatment of Fools.Proverbs 26 — OverviewProverbs 26 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeProverbs 26:1, Observations about fools; Proverbs 26:13, about sluggards; Proverbs 26:17, and about contentious busy-bodies.Proverbs 26 — OverviewProverbs 26 · Little Bible — for children and parentsProverbs 26 is a concentrated study in foolishness, laziness, and deceit. The chapter opens with a series of vivid images showing that honour given to a fool is disordered and even dangerous. It then exposes the…Proverbs 26:1-12Proverbs 26:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentaryCertain proverbs concerning the fool (kesil), with the exception, perhaps, of Proverbs 26:2 (see on Proverbs 1:22).Proverbs 26:1-28Proverbs 26:1-28 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION Proverbs 26:4-5Proverbs 26:4-5 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleSee here the noble security of the scripture-style, which seems to contradict itself, but really does not. Wise men have need to be directed how to deal with fools; and they have never more need of wisdom than…

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