New King James Version
Proverbs 29:9
9If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.
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 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
7The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge. 8Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath. If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. 10The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being. 11A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them 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 a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.
- Ecclesiastes 10:13The words of his mouth begin with foolishness, And the end of his talk is raving madness.
- Matthew 7:6“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
- Matthew 11:17and saying: ‘We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not lament.’
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
New King James Version — © 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc
Commentaries