Proverbs 29:20

20 If thou see a man hasty in words, know that the fool has hope rather than he.

Proverbs 29:20 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 29:20

Seest thou a man [that is] hasty in his words
Swift to speak either before God or men; that takes upon him to speak upon a subject, or return an answer to a question, before he has thoroughly thought of it, and well considered it, and digested what he should say; see ( Ecclesiastes 5:2 ) ( James 1:19 ) ; or "hasty in matters" F24; in his business; runs rashly and precipitately into things, without duly considering within himself what is right and proper to be done, and without taking the advice of others; [there is] more hope of a fool than of him;
of one that has not the gift of elocution, or not so much sagacity in business, and yet takes time to think, and advises with others.


FOOTNOTES:

F24 (wyrbdb Ua) "praecipitem in negotiis suis", Vatablus, Piscator; "in rebus suis", Mercerus.

Proverbs 29:20 In-Context

18 There shall be no interpreter to a sinful nation: but he that observes the law is blessed.
19 A stubborn servant will not be reproved by words: for even if he understands, still he will not obey.
20 If thou see a man hasty in words, know that the fool has hope rather than he.
21 He that lives wantonly from a child, shall be a servant, and in the end shall grieve over himself.
22 A furious man stirs up strife, and a passionate man digs up sin.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.