Proverbs 29:9 kjv

If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

Proverbs 29:9 nkjv

If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.

Proverbs 29:9 niv

If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

Proverbs 29:9 esv

If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

Proverbs 29:9 nlt

If a wise person takes a fool to court,
there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.

Proverbs 29 verses

Proverbs 29 9 Meaning

Proverbs 29:9 illustrates the inevitable futility and disruption that arises when a wise person engages in deep contention or argument with a fool. The foolish man, lacking wisdom and humility, responds either with irrational rage or mocking laughter, both of which are unconstructive and demonstrate his unwillingness or inability to understand reason or truth. As a result, the wise person finds no resolution, peace, or rest from such an interaction, as the fool's nature prevents any meaningful conclusion or reconciliation.

Proverbs 29 9 Context

Proverbs 29 is part of the collection known as the "proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied" (Prov 25:1). This chapter focuses on the behavior and consequences of leaders and citizens, highlighting the distinction between the righteous and the wicked/foolish in society. Themes of justice, discipline, humility, and family permeate the chapter, often contrasting wise conduct with foolish responses. Verse 9 fits within this broader context by depicting the inherent friction and lack of resolution that arises when wisdom confronts ingrained folly, a dynamic that profoundly affects public and private life. The book of Proverbs as a whole serves as wisdom literature, offering practical guidance for living skillfully and righteously under God, consistently warning against the destructive path of the "fool" who rejects divine truth and order.

Proverbs 29 9 Word analysis

• If a wise man: (Hebrew: ’îš ḥākām) A person characterized by discernment, spiritual insight, and skill in applying God's truth to life. This is not merely intellectual intelligence but moral and practical understanding derived from the fear of the Lord. The phrase sets the premise, implying a righteous and God-fearing individual.
• has a controversy: (Hebrew: rîḇ) Refers to a dispute, contention, lawsuit, or strong argument. It suggests a serious engagement over a matter of truth, justice, or right conduct, rather than a trivial disagreement.
• with a foolish man: (Hebrew: ’îš kěsîl) This term for "fool" (kesil) in Proverbs denotes a person who is morally perverse, stubbornly resistant to wisdom and instruction, often characterized by spiritual obtuseness and a lack of self-control. They are not merely uneducated but actively reject truth and divine order.
• the foolish man: (Hebrew: hak-kĕsîl) Reiterates and emphasizes the subject's identity as a 'kesil' fool, whose characteristic behaviors are about to be described.
• either rages: (Hebrew: rāḡaz) Implies shaking, trembling with strong emotion, stirring up violent anger, or becoming indignant. This is an uncontrolled, emotional outburst, signifying an inability or unwillingness to reason calmly or address the core issue.
• or laughs: (Hebrew: śāḥaq) While sometimes meaning joyous laughter, in this context it carries the connotation of mockery, scorn, derision, or contemptuous scoffing. It's a dismissive response, trivializing the wise person's arguments or concerns.
• and there is no rest: (Hebrew: wĕ’ên nāḥaṯ) Means no quietness, no relief, no peace, no settling of the matter. The interaction produces weariness, agitation, and frustration for the wise person because the fool's reactions prevent any meaningful resolution, compromise, or understanding from being achieved.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man": This clause sets the scenario for a seemingly necessary or unavoidable confrontation, perhaps for justice, instruction, or clarification of truth. It highlights the direct opposition between the two character types, one driven by truth, the other by folly.
• "the foolish man either rages or laughs": These two responses embody the unpredictable and irrational nature of the fool. Both "rage" (violent anger) and "laughs" (scoffing derision) are destructive and unproductive. They signify the fool's unwillingness to engage in rational discourse, his lack of respect for truth, and his inherent spiritual and moral unteachableness. The options cover emotional volatility or arrogant disdain.
• "and there is no rest": This is the inescapable consequence of such an engagement for the wise person. Despite their best efforts to bring order, reason, or justice, the wise person is left without resolution or peace. The fool’s entrenched character makes reconciliation or productive dialogue impossible, leading only to further agitation and frustration for the one seeking truth and order.

Proverbs 29 9 Bonus section

• The Burden on the Wise: This proverb highlights the difficult position of the wise. They may be compelled by duty, love, or the pursuit of justice to confront a fool, yet the outcome is inherently unsatisfying and taxing. It’s a call to wisdom not just in what to say, but when not to engage, or how to disengage when an argument is futile.
• Lack of Receptivity: The core issue of the "fool" (kesil) is not a lack of intelligence but a hardened heart unwilling to receive correction or truth. Their responses of rage or scorn are symptoms of this spiritual resistance, indicating an impenetrable disposition that frustrates even the wisest attempts at communication.
• The Pursuit of Peace: The "no rest" outcome underscores a broader biblical theme about the importance of peace (shalom). The wise person desires peace and order, but the fool is a source of chaos and contention, demonstrating an opposition to true peace, both internally and externally.

Proverbs 29 9 Commentary

Proverbs 29:9 provides a sharp warning about the futility of persistent or deep argumentation with a morally and spiritually foolish individual. When a wise person attempts to engage in a substantive dispute or discourse with a fool, whether to correct, instruct, or uphold justice, the interaction inevitably spirals into unproductivity. The fool's core nature, rooted in spiritual rebellion and stubborn rejection of truth, precludes rational engagement. Instead of reasoned response, the wise person encounters either volatile, uncontrolled rage, born of pride and impatience, or contemptuous, derisive laughter, indicative of deep scorn and disdain for wisdom itself. Neither reaction permits common ground, understanding, or resolution. The practical lesson for the wise is that such encounters yield no peace or rest; they only drain energy and leave the situation unresolved. Thus, the verse implicitly advises a wise withdrawal when confronted with such intractable folly, understanding that the pursuit of peace may sometimes mean disengaging from fruitless contention. For example, when trying to reason with someone whose only responses are insults or sneering mockery, continuing the discussion is counterproductive. Or when trying to explain a matter to someone who simply explodes in anger, further conversation serves no purpose.