Proverbs 20:3
Proverbs 20:3 in Multiple Translations
It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.
It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarrelling.
It is an honour for a man to keep from fighting, but the foolish are ever at war.
Avoiding conflict is the proper thing to do, but stupid people are quick to argue.
It is a mans honour to cease from strife: but euery foole will be medling.
An honour to a man is cessation from strife, And every fool intermeddleth.
It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.
It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
It is an honour for a man to separate himself from quarrels: but all fools are meddling with reproaches.
People respect those who stay away from disputes/arguments; foolish people love to quarrel.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 20:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּב֣וֹד
לָ֭/אִישׁ
שֶׁ֣בֶת
מֵ/רִ֑יב
וְ/כָל
אֱ֝וִ֗יל
יִתְגַּלָּֽע
כָּב֣וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs
לָ֭/אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
שֶׁ֣בֶת
shebeth
H7674
cessation
N-fs
מֵ/רִ֑יב
rîyb
H7379
strife
Prep | N-cs
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
אֱ֝וִ֗יל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
fool(ish)
Adj
יִתְגַּלָּֽע
gâlaʻ
H1566
to quarrel
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 20:3
כָּב֣וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
לָ֭/אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
שֶׁ֣בֶת
shebeth
H7674
"cessation"
N-fs
This word means a cessation or a stop, like a pause in activity or a break from work. In the Bible, it can describe a time of rest or a period of inactivity, like the stillness after a storm or the quiet of a peaceful day.
Definition: 1) cessation, a sitting still 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: cease, sit still, loss of time. See also: Exodus 21:19; Proverbs 20:3; Isaiah 30:7.
מֵ/רִ֑יב
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
Prep | N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֱ֝וִ֗יל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
"fool(ish)"
Adj
The Hebrew word for a foolish person, someone who despises wisdom or mocks when guilty. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are quarrelsome or licentious. The KJV translates it as 'fool' or 'foolish man'.
Definition: 1) be foolish, foolish 1a) (subst) 1a1) of one who despises wisdom 1a2) of one who mocks when guilty 1a3) of one who is quarrelsome 1a4) of one who is licentious
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish) (man). See also: Job 5:2; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 107:17.
יִתְגַּלָּֽע
gâlaʻ
H1566
"to quarrel"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
To quarrel or be obstinate means to stubbornly resist or argue, like the conflicts between Jacob and Laban. This word is used to describe contentious situations. It appears in Genesis 31:36, where Jacob argues with Laban.
Definition: 1) to expose, lay bare 1a) (Hithpael) 1a1) to disclose oneself, break out 1a2) to break out (in contention)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: (inter-) meddle (with). See also: Proverbs 17:14; Proverbs 18:1; Proverbs 20:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:3
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
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. 5The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Proverbs 17:14 | To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out. |
| 3 | Proverbs 19:11 | A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. |
| 4 | Proverbs 18:6 | A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. |
| 5 | Proverbs 14:29 | A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. |
| 6 | Ephesians 4:32–1 | — |
| 7 | James 4:1 | What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? |
| 8 | Proverbs 21:24 | Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man— of him who acts with excessive pride. |
| 9 | Proverbs 14:17 | A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated. |
| 10 | Ephesians 1:6–8 | to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. |
Proverbs 20:3 Summary
Proverbs 20:3 teaches us that it is honorable to resolve disputes in a peaceful way, but foolish to quarrel and argue. This means that when we have disagreements with others, we should try to listen to their perspective and find a fair solution, rather than just fighting and arguing (as seen in Proverbs 12:16). By resolving disputes in a peaceful way, we can show wisdom and patience, and maintain unity and harmony in our relationships (as taught in Ephesians 4:3). This can be applied to our everyday lives by being slow to anger and quick to listen, as James 1:19-20 teaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'resolve a dispute' in Proverbs 20:3?
To resolve a dispute means to settle a disagreement or argument in a peaceful and fair manner, as seen in Matthew 5:9 where Jesus teaches us to be peacemakers, and in Ephesians 4:3 where we are called to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Why is it honorable for a man to resolve a dispute?
It is honorable because it shows wisdom, patience, and a willingness to listen and understand others, as Proverbs 12:16 and Proverbs 15:1 suggest that a wise person is slow to anger and quick to listen.
What is the difference between resolving a dispute and quarreling?
Resolving a dispute involves finding a peaceful solution, while quarreling involves arguing and fighting, often without a desire to truly resolve the issue, as seen in Proverbs 26:21 where it says that a quarrelsome person kindles strife.
How can I apply Proverbs 20:3 to my everyday life?
You can apply this verse by seeking to resolve conflicts in a peaceful and respectful manner, as taught in Romans 12:18, and by being slow to anger and quick to listen, as seen in James 1:19-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can work on resolving disputes instead of quarreling?
- How can I demonstrate wisdom and patience in the face of conflict or disagreement?
- What are some biblical principles that can guide me in resolving disputes, such as forgiveness, humility, and love?
- In what ways can I be a peacemaker in my family, community, or workplace, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:9?
- What are some practical steps I can take to resolve a current dispute or conflict in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:3
[It is] an honour for a man to cease from strife,.... As Abraham did, Genesis 13:7; when engaged in a quarrel with his neighbour, or in a lawsuit, or in a religious controversy, especially when he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:3
It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. (It is) an honour for a man to cease from strife.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:3
To cease from strife; either to prevent it, or, if it be begun, to put an end to it; which, although proud and profane persons esteem dishonourable to them, is indeed their glory, because it is an evidence of their great wisdom and power over their passions, and of their respect and obedience to their sovereign Lord, in which their honour and happiness consists. Will be meddling, to wit, with matters of strife; he is always ready to begin strife, and obstinate in the continuance of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:3
Proverbs 20:3 [It is] an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.Ver. 3. It is an honour for a man to cease from strife.] To stint it rather than to stir it; to be first in promoting peace and seeking reconciliation, as Abraham did in the controversy with Lot. Memento - said Aristippus to Aeschines, with whom he had a long strife - quod cum essem natu maior, prior te accesserim. Remember, said he, that though I am the elder man, yet I first sought reconciliation. I shall well remember it, said Aeschines, and while I live I shall acknowledge thee the better man, because I was first in falling out, and thou art first in falling in again. But every fool will be meddling.] Or, Mingling himself with strife; he hath an itching to be doing with it, to be quarrelling, brabling, lawing. Once it was counted ominous to commence actions and follow suits. Now nothing more ordinary, for every trifle, treading upon their grass, or the like. This is as great folly as for every slight infirmity to take physic. Plutarch, de Cohib.
Ira. Laer., lib. ii. Caesar, Com.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:3
(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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:3
Verse 3. It is an honour for a man] The same sentiment as Proverbs 19:11.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:3
3. cease] For the same sense of the English word, refrain or stand aloof from, R.V., comp. Psalms 37:8; Isaiah 1:16. meddling] R.V.; Rather, quarrelling, R.V. See Proverbs 17:14, note.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:3
Meddling - See Proverbs 17:14 note.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:3
3. Cease from — Or, keep aloof from, dwell apart from. Every fool will be meddling — éúâìò, (yithgalla’h.) For a similar rendering of a cognate word see Proverbs 17:14; Proverbs 18:1.
Sermons on Proverbs 20:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Danger of Meddling by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the dangers of meddling with sinful behaviors. He emphasizes that when we yield ourselves to sin, it can lead to enslavement and destruction |
|
The Greatest Thing Is Love by Ernest Barker | In this sermon, the speaker uses a fable about two bears in the woods to illustrate the importance of self-control and unity among believers. The bears try to imitate the behavior |
|
|
Proverbs 25- Anger Destroys Families" by Nofo Eletise | This sermon emphasizes the importance of key virtues in the Christian life, focusing on patience, privacy, wisdom, gentleness, kindness, and self-control. It highlights the need fo |
|
The Discipline of Disdain - 23 by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening and being slow to speak and anger. He highlights the need to trust in God during times of shaking and suffering. |
|
How to Be Good and Mad by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of being both good and mad. He shares a personal story about a man he knew who had a terrible temper and was always angry. Despite t |
|
Why Are You Angry? by Israel Wayne | This sermon by Israel Wayne focuses on the topic of anger, exploring the biblical perspective on anger, its roots, and the importance of self-control. Wayne delves into the dangers |
|
God Is Focused on the Quality of My Offering by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a deep love for God's family and the need to prioritize loving and caring for His people above all else. It highlights the significa |