John Trapp on Proverbs 26:5

Verſ. 5. Anſwer a fool according to his folly] Caſt in ſomewhat that may ſting him, and ſtop his mouth. Stone him with ſoft words, but hard arguments, as Chriſt dealt with Pilat: leſt he lift up his creſt, and look upon himſelf as a conquerour, and be held ſo by the hearers. In fine, when a fool is among ſuch as himſelf, anſwer him, leſt he ſeem wiſe. If he be among wiſe men anſwer him not, and they will regard rather quid tu taceas, quam quod ille dicat, thy ſeaſonable ſilence, than his paſſionate prattle.