If a wise man goes to court with a foolThis phrase highlights the contrast between wisdom and folly, a recurring theme in Proverbs. The wise man represents those who live according to God's principles, valuing justice and truth. In ancient Israel, courts were places where disputes were settled according to the Law of Moses, emphasizing justice and righteousness (
Deuteronomy 16:18-20). The fool, in biblical terms, often refers to someone who rejects wisdom and moral instruction (
Proverbs 1:7). This scenario warns against engaging in legal disputes with those who lack understanding, as it can lead to frustration and futility.
there will be raving and laughing
The imagery of "raving and laughing" suggests chaos and mockery. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, public disputes were serious matters, and the behavior of the fool disrupts the solemnity of the proceedings. This behavior reflects a lack of respect for justice and order, reminiscent of the scornful attitude of the wicked described inPsalm 1:1. The fool's response undermines the purpose of the court, which is to seek truth and deliver fair judgment.
with no resolution
The outcome of such an encounter is a lack of resolution, highlighting the futility of engaging with those who do not value wisdom. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that true understanding and peace come from God (James 3:17-18). The wise man, despite his intentions, finds that the fool's disruptive behavior prevents any meaningful outcome. This serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of human efforts in the face of obstinate folly, pointing to the need for divine intervention and wisdom in resolving conflicts.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Wise ManRepresents someone who is discerning, prudent, and guided by godly wisdom. In the context of Proverbs, the wise person seeks to live according to God's principles.
2.
FoolIn biblical terms, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, often characterized by a lack of moral insight and a tendency to act rashly or without consideration of consequences.
3.
CourtSymbolizes a place of judgment or decision-making. In ancient times, this could refer to a formal legal setting or any situation where disputes are resolved.
4.
Raving and LaughingThese reactions indicate chaos and mockery, suggesting that the fool does not take the situation seriously and disrupts any attempt at a rational resolution.
5.
ResolutionThe desired outcome of a dispute, which is hindered by the fool's behavior, highlighting the futility of engaging in serious matters with someone who lacks understanding.
Teaching Points
Discernment in EngagementBelievers should exercise discernment when choosing to engage in disputes or discussions, recognizing when it may be futile to argue with someone who is not open to wisdom.
The Nature of FoolishnessUnderstanding the characteristics of foolishness can help believers avoid being drawn into fruitless arguments and focus on productive conversations.
Seeking Godly WisdomPursuing godly wisdom is essential for navigating conflicts and making sound decisions, as it helps distinguish between worthwhile engagements and those that lead to chaos.
The Importance of ResolutionStrive for resolution in conflicts, but recognize that it may not always be possible when dealing with those who reject wisdom.
Guarding Our WitnessEngaging in fruitless disputes can damage our Christian witness. It is important to maintain a testimony that reflects Christ's wisdom and peace.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 29:9?
2.How does Proverbs 29:9 guide us in handling disputes with foolish people?
3.What does Proverbs 29:9 reveal about the nature of foolishness and wisdom?
4.How can Proverbs 29:9 be connected to Jesus' teachings on conflict resolution?
5.In what ways can Proverbs 29:9 be applied in modern-day disagreements?
6.How does Proverbs 29:9 encourage patience and discernment in challenging conversations?
7.How does Proverbs 29:9 reflect the nature of conflict between wisdom and folly?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 29:9?
9.How does Proverbs 29:9 apply to modern-day disputes?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 29?
11.What does the Bible teach about managing anger?
12.What does the Bible say about road rage?
13.What does Proverbs 29:11 mean?
14.What does the Bible say about foolishness?What Does Proverbs 29:9 Mean
If a wise manThe verse opens by assuming the involvement of someone who fears the LORD and walks in His revealed wisdom (Proverbs 1:7;James 3:17). A “wise man” here is:
• Marked by prudence and patience (Proverbs 14:29).
• Slow to speak, quick to listen (James 1:19).
• Eager to pursue peace (Romans 12:18).
He values truth and justice, so he is willing to submit his case to formal judgment rather than retaliate in fleshly anger (Proverbs 15:18; 20:22).
goes to courtThe courtroom (or any setting of formal dispute resolution) is meant to uphold righteousness (Deuteronomy 16:18–20). Scripture encourages believers to settle matters amicably and, if possible, within the family of faith (Matthew 5:25;1 Corinthians 6:1–6). Yet sometimes litigation becomes unavoidable, and even the wise may find themselves there. The verse prepares us for what often happens next.
with a foolA “fool” in Proverbs is someone who rejects the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 18:2) and scoffs at counsel (Proverbs 1:22). Such a person:
• Lacks self-control (Proverbs 29:11).
• Despises correction (Proverbs 15:5).
• Revels in strife (Proverbs 20:3).
Bringing a fool before a judge does not suddenly transform his heart; he remains governed by pride and folly (Ecclesiastes 10:3).
there will be raving and laughingThe renders the middle of the verse, “there will be no peace, even if he rages or laughs.” The fool reacts in extremes:
• Raving—outbursts, verbal assaults, or theatrics designed to intimidate (Proverbs 12:16;Acts 7:54).
• Laughing—mockery, sarcasm, or dismissive humor that trivializes serious matters (Proverbs 14:9;Ecclesiastes 7:6).
Whether explosive or flippant, both responses derail sober deliberation.Isaiah 5:20 warns against those who blur moral lines; the fool’s antics attempt exactly that, clouding truth with noise.
with no resolutionBecause folly resists reason, the dispute stalls.
• No meeting of minds (Proverbs 23:9).
• No repentance or concession (Proverbs 27:22).
• No genuine peace (Isaiah 48:22).
Even a righteous judge can only issue a legal ruling; the underlying spiritual conflict remains. Jesus described pearls cast before swine that are then trampled (Matthew 7:6); wisdom offered to a fool meets the same fate, leaving the wise empty-handed and weary (Proverbs 17:12).
summaryProverbs 29:9 warns that when a godly person seeks judicial relief against someone entrenched in folly, the process itself often becomes futile. The fool’s alternating rage and ridicule swamp the proceedings, blocking true reconciliation. The verse calls believers to weigh carefully whether formal contention will honor God or merely amplify folly, and it nudges us toward peacemaking, prayer, and trusting God as ultimate Judge (Psalm 37:5–7;Romans 12:19).
(9)
Whether he rage or laugh--i.e., whether the wise man treat him with sternness or good temper, yet "there is no rest," the fool will not cease from his folly; or, the sense may be, "the fool rages and laughs;" he will not listen quietly to argument, by which he might be brought to wisdom, but is either violent or supercilious.
Verse 9. -
If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man - if a wise man has a controversy, either legal or social, with a wicked fool -
whether he rage (
is angry)
or laugh,there is no rest. It is a question whether the wise man or the fool is the subject of this clause. St. Jerome makes the former the subject,
Vir sapiens,
si cum stulto contenderit,
sive irascatur,
sive rideat,
non inveniet requiem. It matters not how the wise man treats the fool; he may be stern and angry, he may be gentle and good tempered, yet the fool will be none the better, will not be reformed, will not cease from his folly, will carry on his cavilling contention. Hitzig, Delitzsch, and others, deeming that the rage and the laughter are not becoming to the character of the wise man, take the fool as the subject; so that the sense is, that after all has been said, the fool only falls into a passion or laughs at the matter, argument is wasted upon him, and the controversy is never settled. This seems to be the best interpretation, and is somewhat supported by the Septuagint, "A wise man shall judge the nations, but a worthless man, being angry, laughs and fears not [
καταγελᾶται καὶ οὐ καταπτήσσει, which may also mean, 'is derided and terrifies no one']." Wordsworth notes that the irreligious fool is won neither by the austere preaching of John the Baptist nor by the mild teaching of Christ, but rejects both (
Matthew 11:16-19).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
If a wiseחָכָ֗ם(ḥā·ḵām)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450:Wisemanאִֽישׁ־(’îš-)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male persongoes to courtנִ֭שְׁפָּט(niš·pāṭ)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8199:To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigatewithאֶת־(’eṯ-)Preposition
Strong's 854:Nearness, near, with, by, at, amonga fool,אֱוִ֑יל(’ĕ·wîl)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 191:Foolishthere will be ravingוְרָגַ֥ז(wə·rā·ḡaz)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7264:To be agitated, quiver, quake, be excited, perturbedand laughingוְ֝שָׂחַ֗ק(wə·śā·ḥaq)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7832:To laugh, to playwith noוְאֵ֣ין(wə·’ên)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particleresolution.נָֽחַת׃(nā·ḥaṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5183:A descent, imposition, unfavorable, favorable, restfulness
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man goes to court (Prov. Pro Pr) 
