The fool's chapter, with its famous facing pair: 'Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit' (26:4-5), wisdom as knowing which moment demands which. As a dog that returneth to his vomit, so is a fool that repeateth his folly (2 Peter 2:22). The sluggard says, 'There is a lion in the way.' Where no wood is, the fire goeth out; 'so where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.' Fervent lips with a wicked heart are an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.

Drawn from Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory and Matthew Henry, Complete Commentary.

Context

Poetry · Solomon, Agur, Lemuel — Proverbs overview

A. 1–12 Answer a Fool According to His Folly — and Answer Him Not
B. 13–16 The Sluggard: There Is a Lion in the Way
C. 17–28 Where No Wood Is, the Fire Goeth Out

Top cross-references8 chapters ▾

Proverbs 104 verses
- Proverbs 10:13Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
- Proverbs 10:18The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
- Proverbs 10:23The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.
- Proverbs 10:26Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the slacker to those who send him.
- Read Proverbs 10 →
Proverbs 264 verses
- Proverbs 26:1Like snow in summer and rain at harvest, honor does not befit a fool.
- Proverbs 26:5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.
- Proverbs 26:9Like a thorn that falls into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
- Proverbs 26:12Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
- Read Proverbs 26 →
Proverbs 124 verses
- Proverbs 12:15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.
- Proverbs 12:20Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.
- Proverbs 12:24The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
- Proverbs 12:27A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession.
- Read Proverbs 12 →
Proverbs 193 verses
- Proverbs 19:10Luxury is unseemly for a fool—how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!
- Proverbs 19:15Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
- Proverbs 19:24The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.
- Read Proverbs 19 →

4 more chapters this one speaks with

Proverbs 282 verses
- Proverbs 28:10He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.
- Proverbs 28:16A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
- Read Proverbs 28 →
1 Peter 32 verses
- 1 Peter 3:9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
- 1 Peter 3:15But 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,
- Read 1 Peter 3 →
Proverbs 252 verses
- Proverbs 25:13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
- Proverbs 25:18Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
- Read Proverbs 25 →
Proverbs 292 verses
- Proverbs 29:20Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
- Proverbs 29:22An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
- Read Proverbs 29 →

Cross-references from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and OpenBible.info.