New International Version It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. New Living Translation Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. English Standard Version It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. Berean Standard Bible It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. Berean Literal Bible An honor to a man is cessation from strife, and every fool will quarrel. King James Bible It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. New King James Version It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. New American Standard Bible Avoiding strife is an honor for a person, But any fool will quarrel. NASB 1995 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel. NASB 1977 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel. Legacy Standard Bible It is a glory for a man to cease quarreling, But any ignorant fool will break out in dispute. Amplified Bible It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife [by handling situations with thoughtful foresight], But any fool will [start a] quarrel [without regard for the consequences]. Berean Annotated Bible It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. Christian Standard Bible Honor belongs to the person who ends a dispute, but any fool can get himself into a quarrel. Holman Christian Standard Bible It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool can get himself into a quarrel. American Standard Version It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarrelling. Contemporary English Version It makes you look good when you avoid a fight--only fools love to quarrel. English Revised Version It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from strife: but every fool will be quarrelling. GOD'S WORD® Translation Avoiding a quarrel is honorable. After all, any stubborn fool can start a fight. Good News Translation Any fool can start arguments; the honorable thing is to stay out of them. International Standard Version Avoiding strife brings a man honor, but every fool is quarrelsome. NET Bible It is an honor for a person to cease from strife, but every fool quarrels. New Heart English Bible It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling. Webster's Bible Translation It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIt is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. World English Bible It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionCessation from strife is an honor to a man, "" And every fool interferes. Berean Literal Bible An honor to a man is cessation from strife, and every fool will quarrel. Young's Literal Translation An honour to a man is cessation from strife, And every fool intermeddleth. Smith's Literal Translation Honor to a man ceasing from strife: and every foolish one will be irritated. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIt is an honour for a man to separate himself from quarrels: but all fools are meddling with reproaches. Catholic Public Domain Version Honor is for the man who separates himself from contentions. But all the foolish meddle in altercations. New American Bible A person gains honor by avoiding strife, while every fool starts a quarrel. New Revised Standard Version It is honorable to refrain from strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIt is an honor for a man to cease from strife; but every fool will delight in it. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated It is the glory of a man whenever he separates a dispute, and every fool mocks it. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be snarling. Brenton Septuagint Translation It is a glory to a man to turn aside from railing; but every fool is entangled with such matters. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Wine is a Mocker…2The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life. 3It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. 4The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.… Cross References It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, Proverbs 19:11 A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. Matthew 5:25 Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Proverbs 17:14 To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out. but any fool will quarrel. Proverbs 18:6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. Proverbs 17:19 He who loves transgression loves strife; he who builds his gate high invites destruction. Proverbs 26:20-21 Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases. / Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. James 1:19-20 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Romans 12:18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. / And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. / Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. Colossians 3:8 But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 1 Peter 3:9-11 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. / For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. / He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Treasury of Scripture It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. an Proverbs 14:29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. but Proverbs 14:17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. Proverbs 18:6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. Proverbs 21:24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. Jump to Previous Aloof Avoid Cease Cessation Fighting Fool Foolish Honor Honour Intermeddleth Keeping Meddling Quarrel Quarreling Quarrelling Quick Rusheth Snarling Strife WarJump to Next Aloof Avoid Cease Cessation Fighting Fool Foolish Honor Honour Intermeddleth Keeping Meddling Quarrel Quarreling Quarrelling Quick Rusheth Snarling Strife WarProverbs 20 1. Proper LivingIt is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, In Israel’s communities, conflicts were often brought before elders or respected leaders who helped restore peace and justice. A person who refuses to prolong strife shows maturity, self-command, and concern for the well-being of others. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the restoration of right relationships. Pro 19:11 A man’s insight gives him patience, and… but any fool will quarrel. The fool lacks restraint and readily turns disagreements into contention. Such behavior springs from pride, anger, and poor judgment, often bringing shame and division. In contrast to the honorable person who seeks a peaceful settlement, the fool keeps disputes alive and damages the community. Pro 18:6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth… Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. 2. Ancient Israel - The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, emphasizing wisdom and moral living. 3. Fools - A recurring character in Proverbs, representing those who reject wisdom and understanding. 4. Wise Men - Those who seek and apply wisdom, often contrasted with fools in the book of Proverbs. 5. Disputes - Conflicts or disagreements that arise between individuals, which are addressed throughout biblical wisdom literature. Teaching Points The Honor of Peaceful ResolutionResolving disputes peacefully is seen as honorable and wise. It reflects a godly character and aligns with biblical teachings on peacemaking. The Folly of Quarreling Engaging in quarrels is characteristic of a fool. It leads to strife and discord, which are contrary to the life God calls us to live. Wisdom in Conflict Management Applying wisdom in conflicts involves listening, understanding, and seeking resolution rather than victory. This approach fosters harmony and reflects Christ-like behavior. The Role of Humility Humility is essential in resolving disputes. It allows individuals to prioritize relationships over being right, which is crucial for maintaining peace. Reflecting Christ in Disputes As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ in all our interactions, including conflicts. This means prioritizing love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:3?2. How can avoiding strife in Proverbs 20:3 lead to personal peace today? 3. What does Proverbs 20:3 teach about the wisdom of avoiding quarrels? 4. How does Proverbs 20:3 connect with Jesus' teachings on peacemaking? 5. In what ways can you practice "avoiding strife" in daily interactions? 6. How can Proverbs 20:3 guide your response to conflict in your community? 7. How does Proverbs 20:3 define honor in avoiding strife? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 20:3? 9. How does Proverbs 20:3 challenge modern views on conflict resolution? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20? (3) But every fool.--Self-willed person. (Comp. Proverbs 1:22.) Will be meddling.--Or, rather, shewing his teeth: (Comp. Proverbs 17:14) thinking that his own personal dignity is at stake. Verse 3. - It is an honour to a man to cease from strife; or better, as Delitzsch and others, to remain far from strife. A prudent man will not only abstain from causing quarrel, but will hold himself aloof from all contention, and thus will have due care for his own honour and dignity. How different is this from the modern cede, which makes a man's honour consist in his readiness to avenge fancied injury at the risk of his own or his neighbour's life! Septuagint, "It is a glory to a man to hold himself aloof from revilings." Every fool will be meddling (see on Proverbs 17:14; 18:1). Delitzsch, "Whoever is a fool showeth his teeth," finds pleasure in strife. Septuagint, "Every fool involves himself in such," as in ver. 1. Proverbs 20:3 commends the quiet heroism of peacemaking. Honor belongs to the person who, trusting God’s justice, sets aside pride to settle disputes. Fools, craving the last word, keep strife alive and expose their own folly. The wise believer chooses restraint, seeks reconciliation, and mirrors the Prince of Peace, thereby gaining the true honor that comes from God.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew It is honorableכָּב֣וֹד (kā·ḇō·wḏ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness for a man לָ֭אִישׁ (lā·’îš) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person to resolve שֶׁ֣בֶת (še·ḇeṯ) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7674: Rest, interruption, cessation a dispute, מֵרִ֑יב (mê·rîḇ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7379: Strife, dispute but any וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every fool אֱ֝וִ֗יל (’ĕ·wîl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 191: Foolish will quarrel. יִתְגַּלָּֽע׃ (yiṯ·gal·lā‘) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1566: To expose, lay bare Additonal Resources Proverbs 20:3 Blue Letter BibleProverbs 20:3 Bible Gateway Proverbs 20:3 Bible.com Proverbs 20:3 NIV |
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