English Standard Version
Proverbs 29:9
9If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
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.
- New King James Version (NKJV)If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.
- New Living Translation (NLT)If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.
Context of Proverbs 29:9
7A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. 8Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet. 10Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright. 11A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly 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 26:4Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.
- Ecclesiastes 10:13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is evil madness.
- Matthew 7:6"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
- Matthew 11:17"'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.'
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
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries