Amplified Bible
Proverbs 29:9
9If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish and arrogant man, The foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement).
Proverbs 29:9 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
- New International Version (NIV)If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
- English Standard Version (ESV)If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
- New King James Version (NKJV)If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.
Context of Proverbs 29:9
7The righteous man cares for the rights of the poor, But the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge. 8Scoffers set a city afire [by stirring up trouble], But wise men turn away anger [and restore order with their good judgment]. If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish and arrogant man, The foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement). 10The bloodthirsty hate the blameless [because of his integrity], But the upright are concerned for his life. 11A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger, But a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back.
Read all of Proverbs 29Proverbs 29:9 word by word
אִֽישׁ־חָכָ֗ם נִ֭שְׁפָּט אֶת־אִ֣ישׁ אֱוִ֑יל וְרָגַ֥ז וְ֝שָׂחַ֗ק וְאֵ֣ין נָֽחַת׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 29:9
- Proverbs 26:4Do not answer [nor pretend to agree with the frivolous comments of] a [closed-minded] fool according to his folly, Otherwise you, even you, will be like him.
- Ecclesiastes 10:13the beginning of his talking is foolishness and the end of his talk is wicked madness.
- Matthew 7:6“Do not give that which is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, for they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
- Matthew 11:17and say ‘We piped the flute for you [playing wedding], and you did not dance; we wailed sad dirges [playing funeral], and you did not mourn and cry aloud.’
Commentaries on Proverbs 29:9
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 9Whether he rage or laugh - Coverdale translates, "Yf a wyse man go to lawe with a foole, whether he deale with him frendly or roughly he geteth no rest."Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 9All modes of teaching - the stern rebuke or the smiling speech - are alike useless with the “foolish” man; there is “no rest.” The ceaseless cavilling goes on still.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 9Verse 9 If a wise man dispute with a conceited wrangler, he will be treated with anger or ridicule; and no good is done.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 99. contendeth--that is, in law. whether ... laugh--The fool, whether angry or good-humored, is unsettled; or referring the words to the wise man, the sense is, that all his efforts, severe or gentle, are unavailing to pacify the fool.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 29:9
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 29
- 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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Commentaries