Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
    or you yourself will be just like him.(A)
Answer a fool according to his folly,
    or he will be wise in his own eyes.(B)

Read full chapter


Do not answer [nor pretend to agree with the frivolous comments of] a [closed-minded] fool according to his folly,
Otherwise you, even you, will be like him.

Answer [and correct the erroneous concepts of] a fool according to his folly,
Otherwise he will be wise in his own eyes [if he thinks you agree with him].(A)

Read full chapter

Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools,
    or you will become as foolish as they are.

Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools,
    or they will become wise in their own estimation.

Read full chapter

Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.
(A)Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Read full chapter