New International Version If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. New Living Translation If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction. English Standard Version If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet. Berean Standard Bible If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution. Berean Literal Bible A wise man enters into judgment with a foolish man, and he trembles and laughs, and there is no rest. King James Bible If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. New King James Version If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. New American Standard Bible When a wise person has a controversy with a foolish person, The foolish person either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. NASB 1995 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. NASB 1977 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. Legacy Standard Bible When a wise man is brought into judgment with a man who is an ignorant fool, The ignorant fool both rages and laughs, and there is no rest. Amplified Bible If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish and arrogant man, The foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement). Berean Annotated Bible If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution. Christian Standard Bible If a wise person goes to court with a fool, there will be ranting and raving but no resolution. Holman Christian Standard Bible If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be ranting and raving but no resolution. American Standard Version If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest. Contemporary English Version Be wise and don't sue a fool. You won't get satisfaction, because all the fool will do is sneer and shout. English Revised Version If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest. GOD'S WORD® Translation When a wise person goes to court with a stubborn fool, he may rant and rave, but there is no peace and quiet. Good News Translation When an intelligent person brings a lawsuit against a fool, the fool only laughs and becomes loud and abusive. International Standard Version When a wise man has a dispute with a fool, the fool either rages or laughs without relief. NET Bible If a wise person goes to court with a foolish person, there is no peace whether he is angry or laughs. New Heart English Bible If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace. Webster's Bible Translation If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rageth or laugheth, there is no rest. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution. World English Bible If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA wise man is judged by the foolish man, "" And he has been angry, "" And he has laughed, and there is no rest. Berean Literal Bible A wise man enters into judgment with a foolish man, and he trembles and laughs, and there is no rest. Young's Literal Translation A wise man is judged by the foolish man, And he hath been angry, And he hath laughed, and there is no rest. Smith's Literal Translation A wise man contending with a foolish man and raging and laughing, and no rest. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf a wise man contend with a fool, whether he be angry or laugh, he shall find no rest. Catholic Public Domain Version A wise man, if he were to contend with the foolish, whether in anger or in laughter, would find no rest. New American Bible If a wise person disputes with a fool, there is railing and ridicule but no resolution. New Revised Standard Version If the wise go to law with fools, there is ranting and ridicule without relief. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA wise man contends with a fool, and when he is angry, he laughs and does not scoff. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated A wise man debates with a fool, and he is passionate and laughs and is not enraged. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest. Brenton Septuagint Translation A wise man shall judge nations: but a worthless man being angry laughs and fears not. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed…8Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger. 9If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution. 10Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.… Cross References If a wise man goes to court with a fool Proverbs 26:4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. 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. 1 Corinthians 6:6-7 Instead, one brother goes to law against another, and this in front of unbelievers! / The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? there will be raving and laughing Ecclesiastes 10:13 The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. Ecclesiastes 7:6 For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile. Proverbs 12:16 A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. with no resolution Proverbs 25:8-10 do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame? / Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, / lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your infamy never go away. Proverbs 18:18 Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents. Proverbs 26:20 Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases. Ecclesiastes 7:9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool. Matthew 7:6 Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! / Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! … Ecclesiastes 10:12-14 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. / The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. / Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? Matthew 5:22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell. 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. 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. Treasury of Scripture If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. Proverbs 26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Ecclesiastes 10:13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Jump to Previous Angry Argument Contendeth Controversy Court Either Fool Foolish Goes Judged Laugh Law Peace Quiet Rage Rages Rageth Rest Scoffs Whether WiseJump to Next Angry Argument Contendeth Controversy Court Either Fool Foolish Goes Judged Laugh Law Peace Quiet Rage Rages Rageth Rest Scoffs Whether WiseProverbs 29 1. observations of public government15. and of private 22. Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice and corruption If a wise man goes to court with a fool, A legal dispute required orderly testimony and a willingness to submit to judgment. The wise man seeks a just resolution, but the fool rejects correction and treats serious matters without restraint. Pro 26:4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,… there will be raving and laughing Rather than addressing the case honestly, the fool responds with angry outbursts or mocking amusement. His conduct turns the court into confusion and shows contempt for truth and justice. Ecc 10:13 The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end… with no resolution. Because the fool will not listen, reason, or accept a rightful verdict, the dispute remains unsettled. Wisdom cannot produce peace where folly refuses correction. Pro 25:8-10 Do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise… Persons / Places / Events 1. Wise ManRepresents someone who is discerning, prudent, and guided by godly wisdom. In the context of Proverbs, the wise person seeks to live according to God's principles. 2. Fool In biblical terms, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, often characterized by a lack of moral insight and a tendency to act rashly or without consideration of consequences. 3. Court Symbolizes a place of judgment or decision-making. In ancient times, this could refer to a formal legal setting or any situation where disputes are resolved. 4. Raving and Laughing These reactions indicate chaos and mockery, suggesting that the fool does not take the situation seriously and disrupts any attempt at a rational resolution. 5. Resolution The desired outcome of a dispute, which is hindered by the fool's behavior, highlighting the futility of engaging in serious matters with someone who lacks understanding. Teaching Points Discernment in EngagementBelievers should exercise discernment when choosing to engage in disputes or discussions, recognizing when it may be futile to argue with someone who is not open to wisdom. The Nature of Foolishness Understanding the characteristics of foolishness can help believers avoid being drawn into fruitless arguments and focus on productive conversations. Seeking Godly Wisdom Pursuing godly wisdom is essential for navigating conflicts and making sound decisions, as it helps distinguish between worthwhile engagements and those that lead to chaos. The Importance of Resolution Strive for resolution in conflicts, but recognize that it may not always be possible when dealing with those who reject wisdom. Guarding Our Witness Engaging in fruitless disputes can damage our Christian witness. It is important to maintain a testimony that reflects Christ's wisdom and peace. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 29:9?2. How does Proverbs 29:9 guide us in handling disputes with foolish people? 3. What does Proverbs 29:9 reveal about the nature of foolishness and wisdom? 4. How can Proverbs 29:9 be connected to Jesus' teachings on conflict resolution? 5. In what ways can Proverbs 29:9 be applied in modern-day disagreements? 6. How does Proverbs 29:9 encourage patience and discernment in challenging conversations? 7. How does Proverbs 29:9 reflect the nature of conflict between wisdom and folly? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 29:9? 9. How does Proverbs 29:9 apply to modern-day disputes? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 29? (9) Whether he rage or laugh--i.e., whether the wise man treat him with sternness or good temper, yet "there is no rest," the fool will not cease from his folly; or, the sense may be, "the fool rages and laughs;" he will not listen quietly to argument, by which he might be brought to wisdom, but is either violent or supercilious.Verse 9. - If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man - if a wise man has a controversy, either legal or social, with a wicked fool - whether he rage (is angry) or laugh, there is no rest. It is a question whether the wise man or the fool is the subject of this clause. St. Jerome makes the former the subject, Vir sapiens, si cum stulto contenderit, sive irascatur, sive rideat, non inveniet requiem. It matters not how the wise man treats the fool; he may be stern and angry, he may be gentle and good tempered, yet the fool will be none the better, will not be reformed, will not cease from his folly, will carry on his cavilling contention. Hitzig, Delitzsch, and others, deeming that the rage and the laughter are not becoming to the character of the wise man, take the fool as the subject; so that the sense is, that after all has been said, the fool only falls into a passion or laughs at the matter, argument is wasted upon him, and the controversy is never settled. This seems to be the best interpretation, and is somewhat supported by the Septuagint, "A wise man shall judge the nations, but a worthless man, being angry, laughs and fears not [καταγελᾶται καὶ οὐ καταπτήσσει, which may also mean, 'is derided and terrifies no one']." Wordsworth notes that the irreligious fool is won neither by the austere preaching of John the Baptist nor by the mild teaching of Christ, but rejects both (Matthew 11:16-19). Proverbs 29:9 warns that when a godly person seeks judicial relief against someone entrenched in folly, the process itself often becomes futile. The fool’s alternating rage and ridicule swamp the proceedings, blocking true reconciliation. The verse calls believers to weigh carefully whether formal contention will honor God or merely amplify folly, and it nudges us toward peacemaking, prayer, and trusting God as ultimate Judge (Psalm 37:5–7; Romans 12:19). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew If a wiseחָכָ֗ם (ḥā·ḵām) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2450: Wise man אִֽישׁ־ (’îš-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person goes to court נִ֭שְׁפָּט (niš·pāṭ) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate with אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Preposition Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among a fool, אֱוִ֑יל (’ĕ·wîl) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 191: Foolish there will be raving וְרָגַ֥ז (wə·rā·ḡaz) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7264: To be agitated, quiver, quake, be excited, perturbed and laughing וְ֝שָׂחַ֗ק (wə·śā·ḥaq) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7832: To laugh, to play with no וְאֵ֣ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle resolution. נָֽחַת׃ (nā·ḥaṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5183: A descent, imposition, unfavorable, favorable, restfulness Additonal Resources Proverbs 29:9 Blue Letter BibleProverbs 29:9 Bible Gateway Proverbs 29:9 Bible.com Proverbs 29:9 NIV |
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