New International Version
Proverbs 20:3
3It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
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.
- 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.
- 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 and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. 2A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives. It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. 4Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing. 5The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them 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 patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
- Proverbs 16:32Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
- Proverbs 17:14Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
- Proverbs 19:11A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
- Proverbs 25:8do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?
- Ephesians 1:6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
- Ephesians 4:32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
- Ephesians 5:1Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children
- Proverbs 14:17A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
- Proverbs 18:6The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.
- Proverbs 21:24The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name— behaves with insolent fury.
- 2 Kings 14:9But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle underfoot.
- James 3:14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
- James 4:1What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle 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
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