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If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, The fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
Verse Takeaways
1
A No-Win Situation
All commentators agree that this verse warns against the futility of arguing with a foolish person. Whether the wise person uses a stern approach or a gentle one, the effort is wasted. As one scholar notes, the purpose is to show that 'all labour to reclaim a fool from his folly is lost,' resulting in 'no rest' and no positive outcome.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
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Proverbs
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4
18th Century
Presbyterian
All modes of teaching—the stern rebuke or the smiling speech—are equally useless with the “foolish” man; there is “no rest.” The ceaseless cavillin…
19th Century
Anglican
Whether he rage or laugh— that is, whether the wise man treats him with sternness or good temper, yet there is no res…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
[If] a wise man contendeth with a foolish man Enters into a controversy with him, either by word or writing, in orde…
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If a wise man disputes with a conceited, quarrelsome person, he will be treated with anger or ridicule; and no good is done.
