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Proverbs 26:5

Give a foolish man a foolish answer, or he will seem wise to himself.

Proverbs 26:5 · Bible in Basic English

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Proverbs 26:5 in other translations

KJV King James Version

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

BSB Berean Standard Bible

Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.

WEB World English Bible

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

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In context

2 As the sparrow in her wandering and the swallow in her flight, so the curse does not come without a cause.

3 A whip for the horse, a mouth-bit for the ass, and a rod for the back of the foolish.

4 Do not give to the foolish man a foolish answer, or you will be like him.

5 Give a foolish man a foolish answer, or he will seem wise to himself.

6 He who sends news by the hand of a foolish man is cutting off his feet and drinking in damage.

7 The legs of one who has no power of walking are hanging loose; so is a wise saying in the mouth of the foolish.

8 Giving honour to a foolish man is like attempting to keep a stone fixed in a cord.

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