Proverbs 20:3

3 It is an honour for a man to keep from fighting, but the foolish are ever at war.

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 ) .

Proverbs 20:3 In-Context

1 Wine makes men foolish, and strong drink makes men come to blows; and whoever comes into error through these is not wise.

2 The wrath of a king is like the loud cry of a lion: he who makes him angry does wrong against himself.

3 It is an honour for a man to keep from fighting, but the foolish are ever at war.

4 The hater of work will not do his ploughing because of the winter; so at the time of grain-cutting he will be requesting food and will get nothing.

5 The purpose in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of good sense will get it out.