Have you ever tried giving good advice to someone who refused to listen?
Key Verse:
“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him.” —Proverbs 26:4 NASB
Background Context:
Proverbs 26 continues Solomon’s teachings on wisdom and folly, painting vivid pictures of human behavior. This chapter describes the fool — one who rejects correction, repeats mistakes, and speaks without thought. It contrasts wisdom and foolishness, warning against becoming entangled in arguments or actions that lower one’s character. Through humor and sharp imagery — like “a dog that returns to its vomit” (v.11) — Solomon drives home the danger of ignoring instruction and the importance of discernment in dealing with others.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
Similitudes, Instructions
1Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest,
So honor is not fitting for a fool.
2Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,
So a curse without cause does not alight.
3A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the back of fools.
4Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Or you will also be like him.
5Answer a fool as his folly deserves,
That he not be wise in his own eyes.
6He cuts off his own feet and drinks violence
Who sends a message by the hand of a fool.
7Like the legs which are useless to the lame,
So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
8Like one who binds a stone in a sling,
So is he who gives honor to a fool.
9Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard,
So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
10Like an archer who wounds everyone,
So is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by.
11Like a dog that returns to its vomit
Is a fool who repeats his folly.
12Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road!
A lion is in the open square!”
14As the door turns on its hinges,
So does the sluggard on his bed.
15The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again.
16The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
Than seven men who can give a discreet answer.
17Like one who takes a dog by the ears
Is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.
18Like a madman who throws
Firebrands, arrows and death,
19So is the man who deceives his neighbor,
And says, “Was I not joking?”
20For lack of wood the fire goes out,
And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down.
21Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels,
And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
23Like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross
Are burning lips and a wicked heart.
24He who hates disguises it with his lips,
But he lays up deceit in his heart.
25When he speaks graciously, do not believe him,
For there are seven abominations in his heart.
26Though his hatred covers itself with guile,
His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
27He who digs a pit will fall into it,
And he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
28A lying tongue hates those it crushes,
And a flattering mouth works ruin.
Reflection on Proverbs 26:
Proverbs 26 is both practical and piercing. It reminds us that not everyone values wisdom, and not every argument is worth engaging. The key verses, 4 and 5, seem contradictory at first: “Do not answer a fool according to his folly…” followed by “Answer a fool as his folly deserves…” Yet together, they teach balance. Wisdom requires discernment — knowing when to stay silent and when to speak.
Engaging foolishness on its own terms drags us down to its level, but silence at the wrong time allows deception to spread unchecked. The Spirit-led believer learns both restraint and courage — silence when words would be wasted, and truth spoken in love when correction may bring light.
The chapter ends with a warning against deceitful and divisive speech. Gossip, flattery, and manipulation are tools of fools who destroy peace. As followers of Christ, we are called to rise above such patterns and speak words that reflect His wisdom and grace.
Application:
Pray for discernment before responding in heated moments. Ask God to help you know when to speak truth and when to walk away in peace. Evaluate your own words this week — are they building others up or feeding conflict? Practice restraint, and let your speech reflect the wisdom that comes from a heart led by the Spirit.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, give me discernment to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Guard my tongue from foolish or harmful words, and help me respond with wisdom that honors You. Protect me from pride and impatience that lead to conflict. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my words and actions bring peace and reflect Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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