--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Answer a fool according to his folly…" description: "\"Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.\" — Solomon" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6b/solomon-9530_eye_answer-a-fool-according-to-his-folly-les_102439.jpg" --- # Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in… ![“Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.” quote by Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6b/solomon-9530_eye_answer-a-fool-according-to-his-folly-les_102439.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6b/solomon-9530_eye_answer-a-fool-according-to-his-folly-les_102439.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6b/solomon-9530_eye_answer-a-fool-according-to-his-folly-les_102439.jpg) > “Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.” [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Responding to a fool on his own terms can unintentionally elevate his self‑importance; caution is needed to avoid reinforcing his delusion. **In simple terms:** Don't validate a fool's self‑importance. Key Takeaway Choose responses wisely. Themes wisdom communication humility psychology Mood cautious thoughtful Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - online debates - family arguments - workplace feedback Key Concepts social dynamics Practical Applications - use neutral language - set clear boundaries Questions to Reflect On - What signals show a response will empower a fool? - How can you correct without feeding ego? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Folly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/folly/) [Fool](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fool/) [Leader](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leader/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/) [Wise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wise/) ## Related quotes > [Answer not a fool according to his folly,lest thou also be like unto him.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/answer-not-a-fool-according-to-his-folly-lest-thou-also-be-like-unto-2/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [You sometimes have to answer a woman according to her womanliness, just as you have to answer a fool according to his folly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-bernard-shaw/you-sometimes-have-to-answer-a-woman-according-to-her-womanliness/) [George Bernard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-bernard-shaw/) > [“Answer a fool according to his folly lest he be wise in his own conceit. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saul-bellow/answer-a-fool-according-to-his-folly-lest-he-be-wise-in-his-own/) [Saul Bellow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saul-bellow/) > [“Where in the Bible are we told in one verse not to do a thing and in the next to do it? ‘Answer not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-grant-oliphant/where-in-the-bible-are-we-told-in-one-verse-not-to-do-a-thing-and-in/) Samuel Grant Oliphant > [“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him." ( Proverbs 26:4 )”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/holy-bible/answer-not-a-fool-according-to-his-folly-lest-thou-also-be-like-unto/) [Holy Bible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/holy-bible/) > [Let a fool be made serviceable according to his folly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-conrad/let-a-fool-be-made-serviceable-according-to-his-folly/) [Joseph Conrad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-conrad/) > [Silence is the best answer to a fool.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/silence-is-the-best-answer-to-a-fool/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“The answer to a fool is silence. (Proverb)”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/idries-shah/the-answer-to-a-fool-is-silence-proverb/) [Idries Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/idries-shah/) > [The best answer for a fool, tell em what they need to hear but be cool.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/blaze-olamiday/the-best-answer-for-a-fool-tell-em-what-they-need-to-hear-but-be-cool/) [Blaze Olamiday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/blaze-olamiday/) > [The proverb says that 'The answer to a fool is silence'. Observation, however, indicates that almost any other answer will have the same effect…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/idries-shah/the-proverb-says-that-the-answer-to-a-fool-is-silence-observation/) [Idries Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/idries-shah/) > [The best way to answer a fool is to keep mute.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-best-way-to-answer-a-fool-is-to-keep-mute/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [A fool, a fool! I met a fool i' th' forest, A motley fool! a miserable world! As I do live by food, I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/a-fool-a-fool-i-met-a-fool-i-th-forest-a-motley-fool-a-miserable/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeremiah/even-a-fool-when-he-holdeth-his-peace-is-counted-wise/) [Jeremiah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeremiah/) > [I hold him but a fool that will endanger His body for a girl that loves him not.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/i-hold-him-but-a-fool-that-will-endanger-his-body-for-a-girl-that/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [The suburbs of folly is vain mirth, and profuseness of laughter is the city of fools.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-quarles/the-suburbs-of-folly-is-vain-mirth-and-profuseness-of-laughter-is-the/) [Francis Quarles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-quarles/) ## More by Solomon > [That, who keeps his mouth, keeps his Soul.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/that-who-keeps-his-mouth-keeps-his-soul/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/what-has-been-will-be-again-what-has-been-done-will-be-done-again/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/the-fear-of-the-lord-is-the-beginning-of-wisdom/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/then-the-dust-will-return-to-the-earth-as-it-was-and-the-spirit-will/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/lazy-hands-make-a-man-poor-but-diligent-hands-bring-wealth/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/better-is-a-dinner-of-herbs-where-love-is-than-a-fattened-ox-and/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [To gain riches is wise; to pay for riches with happiness is foolish.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/to-gain-riches-is-wise-to-pay-for-riches-with-happiness-is-foolish/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be broken beyond repair.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/whoever-stubbornly-refuses-to-accept-criticism-will-suddenly-be/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [Love is strong as the Death; jealousies are as cruel as the tomb.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/love-is-strong-as-the-death-jealousies-are-as-cruel-as-the-tomb/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [A good name is better than precious ointment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/a-good-name-is-better-than-precious-ointment/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [The man who walks with wise men becomes wise himself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/the-man-who-walks-with-wise-men-becomes-wise-himself/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [There is a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/there-is-a-time-to-weep-and-a-time-to-laugh-a-time-to-mourn-and-a/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [Jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. \[Therefore do not compare your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/jealousy-is-cruel-as-the-grave-the-coals-thereof-are-coals-of-fire/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [The rich is the one that rules over those of little means, and the borrower is servant to the man doing the lending.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/the-rich-is-the-one-that-rules-over-those-of-little-means-and-the/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) > [One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/one-who-is-slow-to-anger-is-better-than-the-mighty-one-who-rules-his/) [Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) [Explore all 72 Solomon quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/) ## More Eye quotes > [I need a bath." He chuckled. "You smell of smoke, as do I." The duke turned, leaning heavily on his cane. "Jameson, open the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-hawkins/i-need-a-bath-he-chuckled-you-smell-of-smoke-as-do-i-the-duke-turned/) [Karen Hawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-hawkins/) > [If you take your eye off the ball or lose focus for even a minute you can lose a game against any team.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/felipe-anderson/if-you-take-your-eye-off-the-ball-or-lose-focus-for-even-a-minute-you/) [Felipe Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/felipe-anderson/) > [“He blinked. His eyes fell as he processed her response. Then he lifted his chin and attempted a grin that was almost painfully dejected.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/he-blinked-his-eyes-fell-as-he-processed-her-response-then-he-lifted/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [How could anybody confuse truth with beauty, I thought as I looked at him. Truth came with sunken eyes, bony or scarred, decayed. Its…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janet-fitch/how-could-anybody-confuse-truth-with-beauty-i-thought-as-i-looked-at/) [Janet Fitch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janet-fitch/) > [I wrote when I was a young teen, but I didn't put an eye on the available markets until I was seventeen. The next…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reed/i-wrote-when-i-was-a-young-teen-but-i-didn-t-put-an-eye-on-the/) [Robert Reed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reed/) > [Changes before your eyes, things you can do and things you can't. My attitude is always let it keep rolling.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terrence-malick/changes-before-your-eyes-things-you-can-do-and-things-you-can-t-my/) [Terrence Malick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terrence-malick/) > [But editors are still the world's readers. And thus the eyes of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/betsy-lerner/but-editors-are-still-the-world-s-readers-and-thus-the-eyes-of-the/) [Betsy Lerner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/betsy-lerner/) > [Quotations can be valuable, like raisins in the rice pudding, for adding iron as well as eye appeal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peg-bracken/quotations-can-be-valuable-like-raisins-in-the-rice-pudding-for/) [Peg Bracken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peg-bracken/) > [Clearly, when we baptize, our eyes should gaze beyond the baptismal font to the holy temple. The great garner into which the sheaves should…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/clearly-when-we-baptize-our-eyes-should-gaze-beyond-the-baptismal/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [At the end of night, before you close your eyes, be content with what you've done and be proud of who you are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-almond/at-the-end-of-night-before-you-close-your-eyes-be-content-with-what/) [Steve Almond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-almond/) > [Be neither too early in the fashion, nor too long out of it, nor too precisely in it; what custom hath civilized is become…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-quarles/be-neither-too-early-in-the-fashion-nor-too-long-out-of-it-nor-too/) [Francis Quarles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-quarles/) > [It lies around us like a cloud- A world we do not see; Yet the sweet closing of an eye May bring us there…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harriet-beecher-stowe/it-lies-around-us-like-a-cloud-a-world-we-do-not-see-yet-the-sweet/) [Harriet Beecher Stowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harriet-beecher-stowe/) > [A man cannot speak but he judges himself. With his will or against his will he draws his portrait to the eye of his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/a-man-cannot-speak-but-he-judges-himself-with-his-will-or-against-his/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [She'd read once that if you ran into a bear in the woods you should avoid eye contact and you shouldn't run away, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-ursu/she-d-read-once-that-if-you-ran-into-a-bear-in-the-woods-you-should/) [Anne Ursu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-ursu/) > [Liesel observed the strangeness of her foster father's eyes. They were made of kindness, and silver.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/markus-zusak/liesel-observed-the-strangeness-of-her-foster-father-s-eyes-they-were/) [Markus Zusak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/markus-zusak/) Browse all 16,237 Eye quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Solomon" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/answer-a-fool-according-to-his-folly-lest-he-be-wise-in-his-own-eyes/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Eye" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/answer-a-fool-according-to-his-folly-lest-he-be-wise-in-his-own-eyes/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6b/solomon-9530_eye_answer-a-fool-according-to-his-folly-les_102439.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6b/solomon-9530_eye_answer-a-fool-according-to-his-folly-les_102439.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6b/solomon-9530_eye_answer-a-fool-according-to-his-folly-les_102439.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.” — Solomon", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Solomon", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Answer a fool according to his...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/answer-a-fool-according-to-his-folly-lest-he-be-wise-in-his-own-eyes/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon/answer-a-fool-according-to-his-folly-lest-he-be-wise-in-his-own-eyes/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```