Proverbs 20:3

3 It is honorable to refrain from strife, but every fool is quick to 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 led astray by it is not wise.

2 The dread anger of a king is like the growling of a lion; anyone who provokes him to anger forfeits life itself.

3 It is honorable to refrain from strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

4 The lazy person does not plow in season; harvest comes, and there is nothing to be found.

5 The purposes in the human mind are like deep water, but the intelligent will draw them out.