Proverbs 29:9
If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 10
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)
נִ֭שְׁפָּט
contendeth
H8199
נִ֭שְׁפָּט
contendeth
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
3 of 10
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 10
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)
וְרָגַ֥ז
whether he rage
H7264
וְרָגַ֥ז
whether he rage
Strong's:
H7264
Word #:
7 of 10
to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)
וְ֝שָׂחַ֗ק
or laugh
H7832
וְ֝שָׂחַ֗ק
or laugh
Strong's:
H7832
Word #:
8 of 10
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
Historical Context
Solomon experienced the frustration of trying to govern subjects who rejected wisdom (1 Kings 11). Proverbs is replete with warnings about the futility of correcting fools (Proverbs 23:9, 26:4-5). The wisdom tradition recognized that moral formation requires humility—something fools categorically lack.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern when to engage in debate and when withdrawal is the wiser course?
- What 'rest' have you sacrificed by continuing arguments with those unwilling to reason?
- How does this proverb challenge or affirm your approach to apologetics and persuasion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest—the Hebrew structure emphasizes futility: whether the fool responds with anger (רָגַז, ragaz) or mocking laughter (שָׂחַק, sachaq), there is no rest (אֵין נָחַת, ein nachat—no quietness, settlement, or resolution). Engaging a fool (ish evil, morally deficient person) in argument produces only frustration.
This wisdom parallels Jesus's instruction not to 'cast pearls before swine' (Matthew 7:6). Paul warns against 'foolish and unlearned questions' that generate strife (2 Timothy 2:23). The issue isn't intellectual debate but the fool's moral unwillingness to receive correction—making dialogue pointless and exhausting.