Amplified Bible
Proverbs 20:3
3It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife [by handling situations with thoughtful foresight], But any fool will [start a] quarrel [without regard for the consequences].
Proverbs 20:3 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
- New International Version (NIV)It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
- English Standard Version (ESV)It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.
- New King James Version (NKJV)It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel.
Context of Proverbs 20:3
1Wine is a mocker, strong drink a riotous brawler; And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. 2The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife [by handling situations with thoughtful foresight], But any fool will [start a] quarrel [without regard for the consequences]. 4The lazy man does not plow when the winter [planting] season arrives; So he begs at the [next] harvest and has nothing [to reap]. 5A plan (motive, wise counsel) in the heart of a man is like water in a deep well, But a man of understanding draws it out.
Read all of Proverbs 20Proverbs 20:3 word by word
כָּב֣וֹד לָ֭אִישׁ שֶׁ֣בֶת מֵרִ֑יב וְכָל־אֱ֝וִ֗יל יִתְגַּלָּֽע׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 20:3
- Proverbs 14:29He who is slow to anger has great understanding [and profits from his self-control], But he who is quick-tempered exposes and exalts his foolishness [for all to see].
- Proverbs 16:32He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier], And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city.
- Proverbs 17:14The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes]; Therefore abandon the quarrel before it breaks out and tempers explode.
- Proverbs 19:11Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger, And it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment].
- Proverbs 25:8Do not rush out to argue your case [before magistrates or judges]; Otherwise what will you do in the end [when your case is lost and] When your neighbor (opponent) humiliates you?
- Ephesians 1:6to the praise of His glorious grace and favor, which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved [His Son, Jesus Christ].
- Ephesians 4:32Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.
- Ephesians 5:1Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];
- Proverbs 14:17A quick-tempered man acts foolishly and without self-control, And a man of wicked schemes is hated.
- Proverbs 18:6A fool’s lips bring contention and strife, And his mouth invites a beating.
- Proverbs 21:24“Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names Who acts with overbearing and insolent pride.
- 2 Kings 14:9Jehoash the king of Israel sent word to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, “The [little] thorn-bush in Lebanon sent word to the [tall] cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son as wife.’ But a wild beast that was in Lebanon passed by and trampled the thorn-bush.
- James 3:14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and [as a result] be in defiance of the truth.
- James 4:1What leads to [the unending] quarrels and conflicts among you? Do they not come from your [hedonistic] desires that wage war in your [bodily] members [fighting for control over you]?
Commentaries on Proverbs 20:3
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 3It is an honoer for a man - The same sentiment as Proverbs 19:11.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 3Meddling - See Proverbs 17:14 note.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 3Verse 3 To engage in quarrels is the greatest folly that can be. Yield, and even give up just demands, for peace' sake.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 33. to cease from strife--or, better, "to dwell from or without strife," denoting the habit of life. fool ... meddling--(Pr 17:14).Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 20:3
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 20
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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