Answer not a fool according to his folly] Answer him not according to his folly: That is, as foolishly as he speaks with vain speeches, and railings: or, consent not unto him in his sayings, or doings, but rather reprove him, as the matter requireth: or, answer him, to convince him, though thou have no hope to instruct him: or, observe a fit time and place to answer him: or, answer him briefly, and be not full of words, as he is.