FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule
Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation Proverbs 26:5
KJVAnswer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Read it in context
Similitudes and Instructions
Start reading at Proverbs 26:1 (Proverbs 26:1 to Proverbs 26:28).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
- 26:1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
- 26:2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
- 26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
- 26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
- 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
- 26:6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
- 26:7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
- 26:8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
- 26:9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
- 26:10 The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
- 26:11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
- 26:12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
- 26:13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
- 26:14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
- 26:15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
- 26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
- 26:17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
- 26:18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
- 26:19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
- 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
- 26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
- 26:22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
- 26:23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
- 26:24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
- 26:25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
- 26:26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
- 26:27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
- 26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 25:1–29:27): The collected proverbs instruct learners, including those concerned with royal service and public conduct. The named roles are subjects of instruction rather than one assembled audience. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Similitudes and Instructions. Read Proverbs 26:1 through Proverbs 26:28 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book identifies more than one collection, including proverbs copied by Hezekiah's men. It does not give a date for the origin of every individual saying. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The instruction draws on household, workplace, city gate, court, and other everyday settings. Many sayings describe a general situation rather than one dated incident. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Similitudes and Instructions (Proverbs 26:1 to Proverbs 26:28). Start reading at Proverbs 26:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament identifies Christ with the wisdom of God. Relating wisdom instruction to Him is a canonical connection; the personification of wisdom should not automatically be treated as a literal description of Christ's origin. See Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice truthful speech, teachability, justice, diligence, and self-control. Read proverbial generalizations with their genre in view rather than as guarantees that ignore circumstance or the book's other sayings. interpretation
Cited: Proverbs 26:1, Proverbs 26:28, Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30
Who wrote it, and how we know
Solomon, with Agur and Lemuel
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names Solomon, and also Agur and King Lemuel, and notes that Hezekiah's men copied out further proverbs.
Proverbs 1:1Proverbs 25:1Proverbs 30:1Proverbs 31:1
Early traditionTradition credits Solomon as the principal author.
What is debatedThe book itself describes later collecting, so it reached its final form after Solomon.
Related passages
- a fool 1 Kgs 22:24-28 Jer 36:17-18 Matt 15:1-3 Matt 16:1-4 Matt 21:23-27 Matt 22:15-32 Luke 12:13-21 Luke 13:23-30
- lest Prov 26:12 Prov 28:11 Rom 11:25
- conceit Isa 5:21 Rom 12:16
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 26
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Instruction and wisdom's call
Proverbs 1:1–9:18FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeExtended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation The proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 10:1–22:16FocusWise and foolish conduct
Connection to the wholeThe shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
interpretation Words of the wise
Proverbs 22:17–24:34FocusInstruction, justice, and disciplined conduct
Connection to the wholeThis collection continues the instruction through longer admonitions and observations, including further sayings of the wise.
interpretation FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule
Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation The words of Agur
Proverbs 30:1–33FocusHuman limits and ordered observations
Connection to the wholeAgur's words combine confession of limited understanding, prayer, and numerical sayings about the world and human conduct.
interpretation The words of Lemuel and the capable woman
Proverbs 31:1–31FocusJust rule and faithful work
Connection to the wholeThe final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.