Mishle 20:3

3 It is kavod for an ish to cease from strife, but any fool can start a quarrel.

Mishle 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 ) .

Mishle 20:3 In-Context

1 0 The yayin is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and whosoever is seduced to be led astray thereby is not wise.

2 The wrath of a melech is as the roaring of a lion; he who provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own nefesh.

3 It is kavod for an ish to cease from strife, but any fool can start a quarrel.

4 The atzel (sluggard, lazy one) will not plow by reason of choref (winter, cold); therefore shall he beg at katzir (harvest), and have nothing.

5 Etzah (purpose; see Yn 2:24-25 ) in the lev ish is like deep mayim, but an ish tevunah will draw it out.