Definition: Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down Proverbs 26:5 – it’s a really important and insightful verse! Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that don’t treat someone foolishly. It warns against being overly lenient or encouraging someone who isn't wise. It suggests that allowing someone to be misled or misguided can actually be more harmful than if you gently guide them towards the truth. Let’s unpack it further: “Proverbs” : This is a book of wisdom and advice, written down long ago. “26:5” : This is the specific verse we're focusing on. “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.” "Answer a fool..." : This means to give someone who is being misled, confused, or acting foolishly, a chance to continue down that path. It’s not about criticizing them harshly – it's about allowing them to remain in their error. "...according to his folly..." : This is the key part. It means you need to be understanding and give them a little leeway, but still gently correct them when they stray off course. You can’t just dismiss them completely. "...lest he be wise in his own conceit." This is the warning. “Conceit” refers to an inflated sense of self-importance or pride. It means they're so focused on their own cleverness that they don’t realize how foolish they are. What does this mean practically? It suggests we need to: Be cautious: Don’t be overly lenient with people who are prone to making mistakes. Guide gently: Instead of simply telling them what's wrong, offer encouragement and help them see things from a different perspective. Recognize pride: Be aware that sometimes people want to believe they know better than everyone else – and that’s a dangerous thing. In short, the verse is a call for wisdom and discernment – to treat those who are unwise with a little understanding and care. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Proverbs 26? Give you an example of how this principle might apply in a real-life situation?