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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/29.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/29.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/29.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/29.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/29.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/29.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>If</i> a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, <i>there is</i> no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/29.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>If</i> a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether <i>the fool</i> rages or laughs, <i>there is</i> no peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/29.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When a wise person has a controversy with a foolish person, The foolish person either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/29.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/29.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/29.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When a wise man is brought into judgment with a man who is an ignorant fool, The <i>ignorant fool</i> both rages and laughs, and there is no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/29.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish <i>and</i> arrogant man, The foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/29.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If a wise person goes to court with a fool, there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/29.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be ranting and raving but no resolution. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/29.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/29.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Be wise and don't sue a fool. You won't get satisfaction, because all the fool will do is sneer and shout. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/29.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/29.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When a wise person goes to court with a stubborn fool, he may rant and rave, but there is no peace and quiet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/29.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When an intelligent person brings a lawsuit against a fool, the fool only laughs and becomes loud and abusive. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/29.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When a wise man has a dispute with a fool, the fool either rages or laughs without relief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/29.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/29.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If a wise person goes to court with a foolish person, there is no peace whether he is angry or laughs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/29.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/29.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rageth or laugheth, there is no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/29.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/29.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A wise man is judged by the foolish man, "" And he has been angry, "" And he has laughed, and there is no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/29.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A wise man is judged by the foolish man, And he hath been angry, And he hath laughed, and there is no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/29.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A wise man contending with a foolish man and raging and laughing, and no rest.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/29.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If a wise man contend with a fool, whether he be angry or laugh, he shall find no rest. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/29.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A wise man, if he were to contend with the foolish, whether in anger or in laughter, would find no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/29.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If a wise person disputes with a fool, there is railing and ridicule but no resolution. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/29.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If the wise go to law with fools, there is ranting and ridicule without relief.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/29.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A wise man contends with a fool, and when he is angry, he laughs and does not scoff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/29.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A wise man debates with a fool, and he is passionate and laughs and is not enraged.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/29.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/29.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A wise man shall judge nations: but a worthless man being angry laughs and fears not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/29-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5986" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/29.htm">The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥā·ḵām (Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">If a wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš- (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: niš·pāṭ (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To judge, govern. ">goes to court</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (Prep) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/191.htm" title="191: ’ĕ·wîl (Adj-ms) -- Foolish. From an unused root; silly.">a fool,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7264.htm" title="7264: wə·rā·ḡaz (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To be agitated, quiver, quake, be excited, perturbed. A primitive root; to quiver.">there will be raving</a> <a href="/hebrew/7832.htm" title="7832: wə·śā·ḥaq (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To laugh. A primitive root; to laugh; by implication, to play.">and laughing</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">with no</a> <a href="/hebrew/5183.htm" title="5183: nā·ḥaṯ (N-fs) -- From nchath; a descent, i.e. Imposition, unfavorable or favorable; also, restfulness.">resolution.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:9</a></span><br />Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Matthew 7:6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-1.htm">1 Corinthians 6:1-8</a></span><br />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! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:12-14</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23-24</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4-5</a></span><br />Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. / Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19-20</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12</a></span><br />It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-6.htm">Proverbs 18:6-7</a></span><br />A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. / A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3</a></span><br />It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9</a></span><br />But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7</a></span><br />Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4</a></b></br> Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:13</a></b></br> The beginning of the words of his mouth <i>is</i> foolishness: and the end of his talk <i>is</i> mischievous madness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Matthew 7:6</a></b></br> 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.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/27-4.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-21.htm">Argument</a> <a href="/job/40-2.htm">Contendeth</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-10.htm">Controversy</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-8.htm">Court</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">Either</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-26.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-26.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-3.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-21.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-26.htm">Laugh</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-9.htm">Law</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Rage</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Rages</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Rageth</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-2.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-34.htm">Scoffs</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-8.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/29-22.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-21.htm">Argument</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Contendeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-8.htm">Controversy</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-13.htm">Court</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-10.htm">Either</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-4.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/songs/8-7.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm">Laugh</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-18.htm">Law</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-17.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-9.htm">Rage</a> <a href="/luke/11-17.htm">Rages</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Rageth</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-17.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-10.htm">Scoffs</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 29</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">observations of public government</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">and of private</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/29-22.htm">Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice and corruption</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The wise man represents those who live according to God's principles, valuing justice and truth. In ancient Israel, courts were places where disputes were settled according to the Law of Moses, emphasizing justice and righteousness (<a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18-20</a>). The fool, in biblical terms, often refers to someone who rejects wisdom and moral instruction (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). This scenario warns against engaging in legal disputes with those who lack understanding, as it can lead to frustration and futility.<p><b>there will be raving and laughing</b><br>The imagery of "raving and laughing" suggests chaos and mockery. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, public disputes were serious matters, and the behavior of the fool disrupts the solemnity of the proceedings. This behavior reflects a lack of respect for justice and order, reminiscent of the scornful attitude of the wicked described in <a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a>. The fool's response undermines the purpose of the court, which is to seek truth and deliver fair judgment.<p><b>with no resolution</b><br>The outcome of such an encounter is a lack of resolution, highlighting the futility of engaging with those who do not value wisdom. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that true understanding and peace come from God (<a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17-18</a>). The wise man, despite his intentions, finds that the fool's disruptive behavior prevents any meaningful outcome. This serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of human efforts in the face of obstinate folly, pointing to the need for divine intervention and wisdom in resolving conflicts.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_man.htm">Wise Man</a></b><br>Represents 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/fool.htm">Fool</a></b><br>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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/court.htm">Court</a></b><br>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.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/raving_and_laughing.htm">Raving and Laughing</a></b><br>These reactions indicate chaos and mockery, suggesting that the fool does not take the situation seriously and disrupts any attempt at a rational resolution.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/resolution.htm">Resolution</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_engagement.htm">Discernment in Engagement</a></b><br>Believers 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_foolishness.htm">The Nature of Foolishness</a></b><br>Understanding the characteristics of foolishness can help believers avoid being drawn into fruitless arguments and focus on productive conversations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_godly_wisdom.htm">Seeking Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_resolution.htm">The Importance of Resolution</a></b><br>Strive for resolution in conflicts, but recognize that it may not always be possible when dealing with those who reject wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_witness.htm">Guarding Our Witness</a></b><br>Engaging in fruitless disputes can damage our Christian witness. It is important to maintain a testimony that reflects Christ's wisdom and peace.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_29.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 29</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_faith_aid_healing.htm">What does the Bible teach about managing anger?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_your_biblical_adversary.htm">What does the Bible say about road rage?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_achieve_personal_and_societal_harmony.htm">What does Proverbs 29:11 mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_folly.htm">What does the Bible say about foolishness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/29.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">Whether he rage or laugh--</span>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.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/29.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man</span> - if a wise man has a controversy, either legal or social, with a wicked fool - <span class="cmt_word">whether he rage</span> (<span class="accented">is angry</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>or laugh,</span> <span class="cmt_word">there is no rest.</span> It is a question whether the wise man or the fool is the subject of this clause. St. Jerome makes the former the subject, <span class="accented">Vir sapiens</span>, <span class="accented">si cum stulto contenderit</span>, <span class="accented">sive irascatur</span>, <span class="accented">sive rideat</span>, <span class="accented">non inveniet requiem</span>. 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 [<span class="greek">καταγελᾶται καὶ οὐ καταπτήσσει</span>, 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 (<a href="/matthew/11-16.htm">Matthew 11:16-19</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/29-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If a wise</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכָ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man</span><br /><span class="heb">אִֽישׁ־</span> <span class="translit">(’îš-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">goes to court</span><br /><span class="heb">נִ֭שְׁפָּט</span> <span class="translit">(niš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶת־</span> <span class="translit">(’eṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nearness, near, with, by, at, among</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a fool,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱוִ֑יל</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·wîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">Foolish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there will be raving</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרָגַ֥ז</span> <span class="translit">(wə·rā·ḡaz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7264.htm">Strong's 7264: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be agitated, quiver, quake, be excited, perturbed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and laughing</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝שָׂחַ֗ק</span> <span class="translit">(wə·śā·ḥaq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7832.htm">Strong's 7832: </a> </span><span class="str2">To laugh, to play</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with no</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֵ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">resolution.</span><br /><span class="heb">נָֽחַת׃</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5183.htm">Strong's 5183: </a> </span><span class="str2">A descent, imposition, unfavorable, favorable, restfulness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/29-9.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man goes to court (Prov. 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