but any fool will quarrel
This part of the verse contrasts the wise and honorable with the foolish, who are quick to engage in arguments. In the biblical context, a fool is often characterized by a lack of self-control and understanding, as seen in Proverbs 29:11, "A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back." The cultural backdrop of the ancient Near East often involved honor-shame dynamics, where quarreling could lead to public disgrace. The fool's tendency to quarrel reflects a deeper spiritual issue of pride and a lack of discernment. This is further illustrated in James 1:19-20, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." The contrast between the wise and the foolish in this proverb serves as a moral lesson on the importance of self-control and the pursuit of peace.

- God attaches dignity to peacemaking. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Honor comes from reflecting His character.

- Choosing calm restraint displays maturity. “A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult” (Proverbs 12:16).

- Wisdom’s harvest is peace. “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness” (James 3:17-18).

- Overlooking offense is praised: “A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11). Honor, then, is less about winning and more about yielding for the sake of harmony.

- The verse narrows responsibility to the individual; no one can outsource this work. “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).

- Peace-building is an act of spiritual maturity, not personality type. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1).

- Maintaining unity is every believer’s calling: “And with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

- Temper matters. “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but he who is slow to anger calms a quarrel” (Proverbs 15:18). God honors the one who takes charge of his own spirit.

- The aim is to end strife before it floods relationships. “To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out” (Proverbs 17:14).

- Private, gentle confrontation is the biblical pattern. “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over” (Matthew 18:15).

- Sometimes it is better to absorb loss than fuel conflict. “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” (1 Corinthians 6:7).

- Forgiveness keeps disputes from hardening into division. “Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).

- Quarreling marks folly, not strength. “A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating” (Proverbs 18:6).

- The quarrelsome person inflames every situation. “Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife” (Proverbs 26:21).

- Scripture warns against pointless arguments. “Reject foolish and ignorant speculations, for you know that they breed quarreling” (2 Timothy 2:23); “Avoid foolish controversies…they are useless and worthless” (Titus 3:9).

- Persisting in conflict shows a heart untouched by godly wisdom; the fool would rather be loud than right, and ends up dishonored.

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.

Will be meddling.--Or, rather, shewing his teeth: (Comp. Proverbs 17:14) thinking that his own personal dignity is at stake.