Proverbs 29:9
If a wise man goes to law with a foolish man, he may be angry or laughing, but there will be no rest.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
In Context
8Men of pride are the cause of violent acts in a town, but by wise men wrath is turned away.
10Men of blood are haters of the good man, and evil-doers go after his soul.
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 10:13The first words of his mouth are foolish, and the end of his talk is evil crime.
Matthew 11:17We made music for you and you did not take part in the dance; we gave cries of sorrow and you made no signs of grief.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 29:9
8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath. See here, 1. Who are the men that are dangerous to the public— scornful men. When such are employed in the business of the state they do things with precipitation, because they scorn to deliberate, and will not take time for consideration and consultation; they do things illegal and unjustifiable, because they scorn to be hampered by laws and constitutions; they break their faith, because they scorn to be bound by their word, and provoke the… Read the whole commentary →