Proverbs 29:20
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Original Language Analysis
חָזִ֗יתָ
Seest
H2372
חָזִ֗יתָ
Seest
Strong's:
H2372
Word #:
1 of 7
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
אִ֭ישׁ
thou a man
H376
אִ֭ישׁ
thou a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אָ֣ץ
that is hasty
H213
אָ֣ץ
that is hasty
Strong's:
H213
Word #:
3 of 7
to press; (by implication) to be close, hurry, withdraw
בִּדְבָרָ֑יו
in his words
H1697
בִּדְבָרָ֑יו
in his words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 7
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
תִּקְוָ֖ה
there is more hope
H8615
תִּקְוָ֖ה
there is more hope
Strong's:
H8615
Word #:
5 of 7
literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy
Cross References
James 1:19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Proverbs 14:29He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.Ecclesiastes 5:2Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.Proverbs 21:5The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.Proverbs 29:11A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom valued measured speech. Court advisors who spoke hastily before kings risked execution. Israel's sages taught that words have power to build or destroy (Proverbs 18:21). The New Testament expands this: Jesus warns we'll give account for 'every idle word' (Matthew 12:36), and the tongue is 'a fire, a world of iniquity' (James 3:6).
Questions for Reflection
- What situations trigger hasty, unconsidered speech in your life?
- How can you cultivate the discipline of reflective listening before responding?
- When has impulsive speech caused damage you later regretted? What did you learn?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words?—The interrogative 'seest thou' (chazita) demands observation. The ish ats be'devarav (man hasty in his words) speaks impulsively without reflection. The verdict is devastating: there is more hope of a fool than of him.
This surpasses even the kesil (fool) in hopelessness. James 1:19 echoes: 'Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.' Proverbs repeatedly condemns rash speech: 'In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin' (10:19), 'He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him' (18:13). Verbal restraint demonstrates wisdom; impulsive speech reveals lack of self-control and invites calamity.