Proverbs 26:4 (BSB)

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.

From Proverbs 26. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 26:4

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 26:4-5: See here the noble security of the scripture-style, which seems to contradict itself, but really does not. Wise men have need to be directed how to deal with fools; and they have never more need of wisdom than in dealing with such, to know when to keep silence and when to speak, for there may be a time for both. 1.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 26:4: Answer not a fool according to his folly,.... Sometimes a fool, or wicked man, is not to be answered at all; as the ministers of Hezekiah answered not a word to Rabshakeh; nor Jeremiah the prophet to Hananiah; nor Christ to the Scribes and Pharisees; and when an answer is returned, it should not be in his foolish way and manner, rendering evil for evil...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 26:4: Answer not--that is, approvingly by like folly.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 26:4: Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like him. (a) Consent not to him in his doings.