The Pulpit Commentary on 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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The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 26:1-28Proverbs 26:1-28 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION The Pulpit Commentary on 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).Matthew Henry on Proverbs 26:4-5Proverbs 26:4-5 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryWe are to fit our remarks to the man, and address them to his conscience, so as may best end the debate.Matthew Henry on 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 in dealin…The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 26:4-12Proverbs 26:4-12 · The Pulpit CommentaryDiscussion of folly and its treatment I. How we ANSWER THE FOOL. (Proverbs 26:4, Proverbs 26:5.) 1. Not according to his folly; i.e. so chiming in with his nonsense that yon become as he is. Do not descend into the aren…

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 26:1-28EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 26:1-12Certain proverbs concerning the fool (kesil), with the exception, perhaps, of Proverbs 26:2 (see on Proverbs 1:22).Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Proverbs 26:4-5We are to fit our remarks to the man, and address them to his conscience, so as may best end the debate.Matthew Henry commentaryMatthew Henry on Proverbs 26:4-5See 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 in dealin…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 26:4-12Discussion of folly and its treatment I. How we ANSWER THE FOOL. (Proverbs 26:4, Proverbs 26:5.) 1. Not according to his folly; i.e. so chiming in with his nonsense that yon become as he is. Do not descend into the aren…Joseph S. Exell and contributors