Proverbs 29:20
New International Version
Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.

New Living Translation
There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.

English Standard Version
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Berean Standard Bible
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

King James Bible
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

New King James Version
Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

New American Standard Bible
Do you see a person who is hasty with his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

NASB 1995
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

NASB 1977
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Do you behold a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Amplified Bible
Do you see a [conceited] man who speaks quickly [offering his opinions or answering without thinking]? There is more hope for a [thickheaded] fool than for him.

Christian Standard Bible
Do you see someone who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Do you see a man who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

American Standard Version
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.

Contemporary English Version
There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.

English Revised Version
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Have you met a person who is quick to answer? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Good News Translation
There is more hope for a stupid fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.

International Standard Version
Do you see a man who speaks hastily? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

NET Bible
Do you see someone who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

New Heart English Bible
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Webster's Bible Translation
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

World English Bible
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
You have seen a man hasty in his words! More hope of a fool than of him.

Young's Literal Translation
Thou hast seen a man hasty in his words! More hope of a fool than of him.

Smith's Literal Translation
Thou sawest a man hasty in his words: hope to the foolish one more than to him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Hast thou seen a man hasty to speak? folly is rather to be looked for, than his amendment.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Have you seen a man rushing to speak? Foolishness has more hope than his correction.

New American Bible
Do you see someone hasty in speech? There is more hope for a fool!

New Revised Standard Version
Do you see someone who is hasty in speech? There is more hope for a fool than for anyone like that.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When you see a man who is hasty in his words, know that a fool is better than he.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
If you have seen a man hasty in his words, know that a fool is better than he.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
If thou see a man hasty in his words, know that the fool has hope rather than he.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed
19A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond. 20Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.…

Cross References
James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

Ecclesiastes 5:2
Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.

James 3:2
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

Proverbs 18:13
He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.

Proverbs 17:27-28
A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

Matthew 12:36-37
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.

Proverbs 16:32
He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Proverbs 12:18
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.


Treasury of Scripture

See you a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

seest

Proverbs 29:11
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

Ecclesiastes 5:2
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

James 1:19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

words

Proverbs 14:29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Proverbs 21:5
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

more

Proverbs 26:12
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Jump to Previous
Fool Foolish Haste Hasty Hope Quick Seest Speaks Tongue Words
Jump to Next
Fool Foolish Haste Hasty Hope Quick Seest Speaks Tongue Words
Proverbs 29
1. observations of public government
15. and of private
22. Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice and corruption














Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
This phrase warns against the dangers of speaking without careful thought. In biblical times, speech was a powerful tool, and words spoken in haste could lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, or even violence. The book of Proverbs frequently emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in speech (Proverbs 10:19, 17:27-28). The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on measured and wise speech, as seen in the wisdom literature. The phrase also reflects the broader biblical theme of the tongue's power, as seen in James 3:5-6, which compares the tongue to a small fire that can set a forest ablaze.

There is more hope for a fool than for him.
This part of the verse underscores the severity of speaking rashly. In the wisdom literature, a "fool" is often someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, yet even such a person is considered to have more potential for redemption than someone who habitually speaks without thinking. This comparison highlights the gravity of reckless speech. The Bible often contrasts the wise and the foolish, with the latter being those who reject God's instruction (Proverbs 1:7). The statement implies that a fool might still learn and change, but a person who speaks hastily is set in a dangerous pattern that is difficult to correct. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of words and their reflection of the heart (Matthew 12:36-37).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Hasty Speaker
This person is characterized by speaking without thinking, often leading to rash and unwise words.

2. The Fool
In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often making poor decisions.

3. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom and his role as the king of Israel.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was highly valued.

5. The Audience of Proverbs
Primarily the people of Israel, but also applicable to all who seek wisdom and understanding.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Hasty Speech
Speaking without thinking can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and damaged relationships.

Hasty words often reflect a lack of self-control and wisdom.

The Value of Thoughtful Speech
Taking time to consider our words can lead to more constructive and edifying conversations.

Thoughtful speech reflects maturity and a heart aligned with God's wisdom.

Hope and Redemption
While the verse suggests a dire situation for the hasty speaker, it also implies the possibility of change and growth through seeking wisdom.

Even those who struggle with hasty speech can find hope by turning to God for guidance and transformation.

Practical Steps for Improvement
Practice active listening to understand before responding.

Pray for wisdom and self-control in speech.

Reflect on past conversations to identify patterns of hasty speech and areas for growth.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 29:20?

2. How does Proverbs 29:20 warn against speaking impulsively in daily conversations?

3. Why is a "man who speaks in haste" considered less hopeful than a fool?

4. How can James 1:19 help us apply Proverbs 29:20 in our lives?

5. What practical steps can we take to avoid hasty speech according to Proverbs 29:20?

6. How does Proverbs 29:20 encourage us to value wisdom over quick responses?

7. How does Proverbs 29:20 challenge our understanding of wisdom and speech?

8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 29:20?

9. How does Proverbs 29:20 relate to modern communication practices?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 29?

11. What does the Bible say about excessive talking?

12. What does the Bible say about self-centeredness?

13. Proverbs 20:27 claims 'the spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord'--how can this be reconciled with scientific understandings of human consciousness?

14. What does Proverbs 29:11 mean?
What Does Proverbs 29:20 Mean
Do you see a man

Solomon begins with an invitation to look carefully at real life and recognize a familiar pattern.

• Wisdom often starts with observation (Proverbs 24:30-32).

• Jesus likewise urged His listeners to “consider” what they saw (Matthew 6:26).

• The call is not merely to spot someone else’s fault but to hold up a mirror (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Seeing clearly is the first step toward godly discernment.


who speaks in haste

The person in view is marked by impulsive, rapid words that leap out before thought or prayer.

James 1:19 counsels, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”

Proverbs 10:19 warns that “When words are many, sin is unavoidable.”

Proverbs 12:18 compares rash speech to sword-thrusts, while Ecclesiastes 5:2 urges, “Do not be hasty to utter a word before God.”

• Biblical examples include Peter blurting out on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:4) and King Saul binding his army with a rash oath (1 Samuel 14:24-45).

Unchecked haste in speech shows a heart that prizes its own voice over thoughtful obedience.


There is more hope

Hope in Scripture speaks of a realistic expectation of rescue or change. By saying “more hope,” Solomon highlights the seriousness of the problem, yet also implies that hope does exist—just not for the one who refuses to bridle his tongue.

Proverbs 26:12 makes a parallel point about one “wise in his own eyes.”

• Even fools may yet gain wisdom through discipline (Proverbs 17:10), and sinners in general can find mercy through repentance (Lamentations 3:21-23; 1 John 1:9).

Hope springs from humility and teachability, traits absent in the hasty speaker.


for a fool than for him

Calling someone worse off than a “fool” is strong language, since Proverbs paints fools as morally dull, rebellious, and self-destructive (Proverbs 1:7; 13:16). Why is the impulsive talker in deeper trouble?

• His words continually reinforce his pride, hardening him beyond correction (Proverbs 18:13).

• Foolishness can be curbed by painful consequences (Proverbs 26:3), but the chronic blurter harms relationships, spreads misinformation, and dulls his conscience every time he opens his mouth.

• Nabal’s story (1 Samuel 25) shows how a foolish tongue can bring a man to the brink of judgment, yet Nabal spoke only occasionally, whereas the hasty speaker lives in a perpetual state of verbal danger.

The comparison presses us to see that habitual, reckless words signal a heart in urgent need of God’s transforming grace.


summary

Proverbs 29:20 teaches that an ungoverned tongue is not a trivial flaw; it places a person in graver peril than open folly ever could. Observing, restraining, and reforming our speech—through humility, careful listening, and reliance on the Spirit—opens the door to the hope God freely offers, while ignoring this warning shuts that door almost completely.

(20) There is more hope of a fool (khesil) than of him.--The fool is a dull, self-satisfied person, but may learn better; the man who is hasty and ill-advised in his words has a harder task before him in governing his tongue. (Comp. James 3:2 sqq.)

Verse 20. - Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? (comp. Proverbs 26:12); Vulgate, velocem ad loquendum; Septuagint, ταχὺν ἐν λόγοις. James 1:19," Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak." "A talkative (γλωσσώδης) man is dangerous in his city; and he that is rash (προπετὴς) in his words shall be hated" (Ecclus. 9:18). We might also translate, "hasty in his matters," "hasty in business," and the gnome would be equally true (see note on Proverbs 19:2). There is more hope era fool than of him. The dull, stupid man (kesil) may be instructed and guided and made to listen to reason; the hasty and ill-advised speaker consults no one, takes no thought before he speaks, nor reflects on the effect of his words; such a man it is almost impossible to reform (see James 3:5, etc.). "Every one that speaks," says St. Gregory, "while he waits for his hearer's sentence upon his words, is as it were subjected to the judgment of him by whom he is heard. Accordingly, he that fears to be condemned in respect of his words ought first to put to the test that which he delivers - that there may be a kind of impartial and sober umpire sitting between the hear and tongue, weighing with exactness whether the heart presents right words, which the tongue taking up with advantage may bring forward for the heater's judgment" ('Moral.,' 8:5, Oxford transl.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Do you see
חָזִ֗יתָ (ḥā·zî·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2372: To gaze at, to perceive, contemplate, to have a, vision of

a man
אִ֭ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

who speaks
בִּדְבָרָ֑יו (biḏ·ḇā·rāw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

in haste?
אָ֣ץ (’āṣ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 213: To press, to be close, hurry, withdraw

There is more hope
תִּקְוָ֖ה (tiq·wāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8615: A cord, expectancy

for a fool
לִכְסִ֣יל (liḵ·sîl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool

than for him.
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of


Links
Proverbs 29:20 NIV
Proverbs 29:20 NLT
Proverbs 29:20 ESV
Proverbs 29:20 NASB
Proverbs 29:20 KJV

Proverbs 29:20 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 29:20 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 29:20 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 29:20 French Bible
Proverbs 29:20 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 29:19
Top of Page
Top of Page