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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 20:3 It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/20-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/20_Pro_20_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 20:3 - Wine is a Mocker" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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only fools insist on quarreling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>It is</i> an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>It is</i> honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Avoiding strife is an honor for a person, But any fool will quarrel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />It is a glory for a man to cease quarreling, But any ignorant fool will break out <i>in dispute</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife [by handling situations with thoughtful foresight], But any fool will [start a] quarrel [without regard for the consequences].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Honor belongs to the person who ends a dispute, but any fool can get himself into a quarrel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool can get himself into a quarrel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarrelling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It makes you look good when you avoid a fight--only fools love to quarrel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from strife: but every fool will be quarrelling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Avoiding a quarrel is honorable. After all, any stubborn fool can start a fight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Any fool can start arguments; the honorable thing is to stay out of them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Avoiding strife brings a man honor, but every fool is quarrelsome.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />It is an honor for a person to cease from strife, but every fool quarrels. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Cessation from strife is an honor to a man, "" And every fool interferes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> An honour to a man is cessation from strife, And every fool intermeddleth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Honor to a man ceasing from strife: and every foolish one will be irritated.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />It is an honour for a man to separate himself from quarrels: but all fools are meddling with reproaches. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Honor is for the man who separates himself from contentions. But all the foolish meddle in altercations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A person gains honor by avoiding strife, while every fool starts a quarrel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />It is honorable to refrain from strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />It is an honor for a man to cease from strife; but every fool will delight in it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />It is the glory of a man whenever he separates a dispute, and every fool mocks it.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be snarling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>It is</i> a glory to a man to turn aside from railing; but every fool is entangled with such matters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/20-3.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=3942" 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/20.htm">Wine is a Mocker</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3519.htm" title="3519: kā·ḇō·wḏ (N-ms) -- Rarely kabod; from kabad; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness.">It is honorable</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: lā·’îš (Prep-l, Art:: 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.">for a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/7674.htm" title="7674: še·ḇeṯ (Adj-fs) -- Perhaps cessation. From shabath; rest, interruption, cessation.">to resolve</a> <a href="/hebrew/7379.htm" title="7379: mê·rîḇ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Strife, dispute. Or rib; from riyb; a contest.">a dispute,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">but any</a> <a href="/hebrew/191.htm" title="191: ’ĕ·wîl (N-ms) -- Foolish. From an unused root; silly.">fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/1566.htm" title="1566: yiṯ·gal·lā‘ (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- To expose, lay bare. A primitive root; to be obstinate.">will quarrel.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.…<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="/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="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a></span><br />Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.<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="/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="/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="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31-32</a></span><br />Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. / Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a></span><br />But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9-11</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. / For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. / He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a></span><br />But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">1 Corinthians 13:4-5</a></span><br />Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-14.htm">Philippians 2:14-15</a></span><br />Do everything without complaining or arguing, / so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:13-15</a></span><br />In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another. / And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. / Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14</a></span><br />To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Proverbs 19:11</a></span><br />A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm">Proverbs 26:17</a></span><br />Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.</p><p class="hdg">an</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a></b></br> <i>He that is</i> slow to wrath <i>is</i> of great understanding: but <i>he that is</i> hasty of spirit exalteth folly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32</a></b></br> <i>He that is</i> slow to anger <i>is</i> better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14</a></b></br> The beginning of strife <i>is as</i> when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm">Proverbs 14:17</a></b></br> <i>He that is</i> soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/18-6.htm">Proverbs 18:6</a></b></br> A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/21-24.htm">Proverbs 21:24</a></b></br> Proud <i>and</i> haughty scorner <i>is</i> his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/38-11.htm">Aloof</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-7.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-7.htm">Cessation</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-6.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-10.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-12.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-12.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Intermeddleth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-21.htm">Meddling</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">Quarrel</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-13.htm">Quarreling</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Quarrelling</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Quick</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-6.htm">Rusheth</a> <a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">Snarling</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/obadiah/1-11.htm">Aloof</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-10.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-7.htm">Cessation</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-10.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-29.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-29.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Intermeddleth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-21.htm">Meddling</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm">Quarrel</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-10.htm">Quarreling</a> <a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Quarrelling</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-8.htm">Quick</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-6.htm">Rusheth</a> <a href="/galatians/5-15.htm">Snarling</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-10.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-18.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Proper Living</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the virtue of peacemaking and the wisdom in seeking resolution rather than conflict. In biblical times, disputes were common in communities, and resolving them was seen as a sign of maturity and wisdom. The Hebrew culture valued shalom, or peace, which is a state of completeness and harmony. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (<a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a>). The concept of honor in resolving disputes is also reflected in the role of elders and leaders in ancient Israel, who were often called upon to mediate conflicts. The pursuit of peace is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in <a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a>, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."<p><b>but any fool will quarrel</b><br>This part of the verse contrasts the wise and honorable with the foolish, who are quick to engage in arguments. In the biblical context, a fool is often characterized by a lack of self-control and understanding, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Proverbs 29:11</a>, "A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back." The cultural backdrop of the ancient Near East often involved honor-shame dynamics, where quarreling could lead to public disgrace. The fool's tendency to quarrel reflects a deeper spiritual issue of pride and a lack of discernment. This is further illustrated in <a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19-20</a>, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." The contrast between the wise and the foolish in this proverb serves as a moral lesson on the importance of self-control and the pursuit of peace.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>- The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, emphasizing wisdom and moral living.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/fools.htm">Fools</a></b><br>- A recurring character in Proverbs, representing those who reject wisdom and understanding.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_men.htm">Wise Men</a></b><br>- Those who seek and apply wisdom, often contrasted with fools in the book of Proverbs.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/disputes.htm">Disputes</a></b><br>- Conflicts or disagreements that arise between individuals, which are addressed throughout biblical wisdom literature.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_honor_of_peaceful_resolution.htm">The Honor of Peaceful Resolution</a></b><br>Resolving disputes peacefully is seen as honorable and wise. It reflects a godly character and aligns with biblical teachings on peacemaking.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_folly_of_quarreling.htm">The Folly of Quarreling</a></b><br>Engaging in quarrels is characteristic of a fool. It leads to strife and discord, which are contrary to the life God calls us to live.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_conflict_management.htm">Wisdom in Conflict Management</a></b><br>Applying wisdom in conflicts involves listening, understanding, and seeking resolution rather than victory. This approach fosters harmony and reflects Christ-like behavior.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_humility.htm">The Role of Humility</a></b><br>Humility is essential in resolving disputes. It allows individuals to prioritize relationships over being right, which is crucial for maintaining peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ_in_disputes.htm">Reflecting Christ in Disputes</a></b><br>As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ in all our interactions, including conflicts. This means prioritizing love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_busybodies.htm">What does the Bible say about busybodies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_i_resist_peer_pressure.htm">How do I resist peer pressure?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'he_is_faithful'_mean.htm">How can we live peacefully with everyone?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_live_peacefully_with_all.htm">How can we live peacefully with everyone?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">But every fool.--</span>Self-willed person. (Comp. <a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm" title="How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?">Proverbs 1:22</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Will be meddling</span>.--Or, rather, <span class= "ital">shewing his teeth: </span>(Comp. <a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm" title="The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.">Proverbs 17:14</a>) thinking that his own personal dignity is at stake.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">It is an honour to a man to cease from strife;</span> or better, as Delitzsch and others, <span class="accented">to remain far from strife.</span> A prudent man will not only abstain from causing quarrel, but will hold himself aloof from all contention, and thus will have due care for his own honour and dignity. How different is this from the modern cede, which makes a man's honour consist in his readiness to avenge fancied injury at the risk of his own or his neighbour's life! Septuagint, "It is a glory to a man to hold himself aloof from revilings." <span class="cmt_word">Every fool will be meddling</span> (see on Proverbs 17:14; 18:1). Delitzsch, "Whoever is a fool showeth his teeth," finds pleasure in strife. Septuagint, "Every fool involves himself in such," as in ver. 1. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/20-3.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">It is honorable</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּב֣וֹד</span> <span class="translit">(kā·ḇō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3519.htm">Strong's 3519: </a> </span><span class="str2">Weight, splendor, copiousness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for a man</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֭אִישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(lā·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | 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">to resolve</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֣בֶת</span> <span class="translit">(še·ḇeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7674.htm">Strong's 7674: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rest, interruption, cessation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a dispute,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵרִ֑יב</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7379.htm">Strong's 7379: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strife, dispute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but any</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fool</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱ֝וִ֗יל</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·wîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - 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">will quarrel.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְגַּלָּֽע׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·gal·lā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1566.htm">Strong's 1566: </a> </span><span class="str2">To expose, lay bare</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:3 It is an honor for a man (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 20:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 20:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>