English Standard Version
Proverbs 20:3
3It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.
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.
- New King James Version (NKJV)It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel.
- New Living Translation (NLT)Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
Context of Proverbs 20:3
1Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. 2The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life. It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. 4The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing. 5The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw 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 14:29Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
- Proverbs 16:32Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
- Proverbs 17:14The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
- Proverbs 19:11Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
- Proverbs 25:8do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?
- Ephesians 1:6to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
- Ephesians 4:32Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
- Ephesians 5:1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
- Proverbs 14:17A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.
- Proverbs 18:6A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.
- Proverbs 21:24"Scoffer" is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.
- 2 Kings 14:9And Jehoash king of Israel sent word to Amaziah king of Judah, "A thistle on Lebanon sent to a cedar on Lebanon, saying, 'Give your daughter to my son for a wife,' and a wild beast of Lebanon passed by and trampled down the thistle.
- James 3:14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
- James 4:1What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within 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
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries