Proverbs 3:30
Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תָּרִ֣וב
Strive
H7378
תָּרִ֣וב
Strive
Strong's:
H7378
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אָדָ֣ם
not with a man
H120
אָדָ֣ם
not with a man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
4 of 9
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
חִנָּ֑ם
without cause
H2600
חִנָּ֑ם
without cause
Strong's:
H2600
Word #:
5 of 9
gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֖א
H3808
לֹ֖א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Proverbs 29:22An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.2 Timothy 2:24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,Proverbs 18:6A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.Proverbs 17:14The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern legal culture involved public disputes at city gates. Proverbs warns against litigiousness - constantly bringing accusations without merit. Jesus later taught similar wisdom: settle matters quickly, seek reconciliation, don't be quarrelsome (Matthew 5:25; 2 Timothy 2:24).
Questions for Reflection
- What conflicts in your life might be unnecessary, and how could you pursue peace instead?
- How can you discern between necessary confrontation and foolish contentiousness?
- In what ways does social media culture encourage striving without cause?
Analysis & Commentary
Don't contend without cause. The Hebrew 'riyb' (strive/quarrel) describes legal or personal disputes. Picking fights without legitimate reason reveals foolishness and contentious spirit. Wisdom pursues peace and avoids unnecessary conflict. This verse doesn't prohibit necessary confrontation but condemns quarrelsomeness. Peaceable character marks the wise; contentiousness marks fools.