Proverbs 29:9
A wise man, if he were to contend with the foolish, whether in anger or in laughter, would find no rest.
Catholic Public Domain Version
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
8Pestilent men squander a city. Yet truly, the wise avert fury.
10Bloodthirsty men hate the simple one; but the just seek out his soul.
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 10:13At the beginning of his words is foolishness, and at the end of his talk is a most grievous error.
Matthew 11:17who, calling out to their companions, say: ‘We played music for you, and you did not dance. We lamented, and you did not mourn.’
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 →