Proverbs 29:9

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

7Righteous people want poor people to receive justice. But wicked people do not understand things like that. 8People who insult their friends bring trouble to a city. But wise people stop arguments. If a wise person accuses a foolish person in court, there will be no agreement. The fool will only laugh or he will become angry. 10Murderers hate honest people. They try to kill any good person. 11Foolish people cannot control their anger. But wise people are patient.

Proverbs 29:9 word by word

אִֽישׁ־חָכָ֗ם נִ֭שְׁפָּט אֶת־אִ֣ישׁ אֱוִ֑יל וְרָגַ֥ז וְ֝שָׂחַ֗ק וְאֵ֣ין נָֽחַת׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• a wiseחָכָםchâkâm · wiseH2450
• manאִישׁ'îysh · manH376
• contendethשָׁפַטshâphaţ · to judgeH8199
• with a foolishאֱוִיל'ĕvîyl · fool(ish)H191
• whether he rageרָגַזrâgaz · to trembleH7264
• or laughשָׂחַקώâchaq · to laughH7832
• no restנַ֫חַתnachath · quietnessH5183

Cross-references for Proverbs 29:9

• Proverbs 26:4If someone asks you a silly question, do not give him a silly answer. Be careful that you do not become as silly as he is.
• Ecclesiastes 10:13When a fool starts to speak, he says silly things. When he finishes, he is saying crazy things that are wicked.
• Matthew 7:6Do not give special things that are for God to dogs. The dogs will turn round and attack you. Do not throw valuable things to pigs. The pigs will only stand on them and bury them in the dirt.’
• Matthew 11:17“We made happy music on a flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a sad song but you did not cry.”

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

• Anger
• Fool

In the dictionaries

• Wise, Man
• Correct
• Delicately
• Flatter
• Hasty
• Rejoice
• Trust
• Uphold
• Hezekiah (2)
• Proverbs, the Book of

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