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Proverbs 20:3

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3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
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Proverbs 20:3 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
English Standard Version (ESV)
3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.
New Living Translation (NLT)
3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
The Message Bible (MSG)
3 It's a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights.
American Standard Version (ASV)
3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarrelling.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
3 Avoiding a quarrel is honorable. After all, any stubborn fool can start a fight.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
3 It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool can get himself into a quarrel.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
3 Avoiding a fight brings honor to a man. But every foolish person is quick to argue.

Proverbs 20:3 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:3

[It is] an honour for a man to cease from strife
As Abraham did, ( Genesis 13:7 Genesis 13:8 ) ; when engaged in a quarrel with his neighbour, or in a lawsuit, or in a religious controversy, especially when he finds he is in the wrong; and indeed, if he is in the right, when he perceives it is like to issue in no good, and is only about words to no profit, it is an honour to drop it; but every fool will be meddling;
with things he has no concern in, or is not equal to; yet will carry on the debate, though it is to his disgrace; see ( Proverbs 17:14 ) .

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Proverbs 20:3 In-Context

1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.
3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
4 Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S 1 Samuel 25:25
  • 2. S Genesis 13:8; Proverbs 17:14
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.