Proverbs 20:3

3 ¹Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.

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 is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.

3 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.

4 The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.

5 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out.

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:14

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "Ceasing"
• [b]. Lit "burst out"