Proverbs 20:3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 20:3

This is designed to rectify men's mistakes concerning strife. 1. Men think it is their wisdom to engage in quarrels; whereas it is the greatest folly that can be. He thinks himself a wise man that is quick in resenting affronts, that stands upon every nicety of honour and right, and will not abate an ace of either, that prescribes, and imposes, and gives law, to every body; but he that thus meddles is a fool, and creates a great deal of needless vexation to himself. 2. Men think, when they are... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 20:3

It is an honour for a man to cease from strife ,.... As Abraham did, Genesis 13:7 ; when engaged in a quarrel with his neighbour, or in a lawsuit, or in a religious controversy, especially when he finds he is in the wrong; and indeed, if he is in the right, when he perceives it is like to issue in no good, and is only about words to no profit, it is an honour to drop it; but every fool will be meddling ; with things he has no concern in, or is not equal to; yet will carry on the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 20:3

It is an honoer for a man - The same sentiment as Proverbs 19:11 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:1-5

Evils to be avoided I. SOME SPECIAL EVILS AND DANGERS . 1 . Drunkenness . ( Proverbs 20:1 .) The spirit or demon of wine is spoken of as a personal agent. It leads to frivolity, scoffing, profane and senseless mirth. To be drunk with wine, as St. Paul points out ( Ephesians 5:18 ), is the opposite of being "filled with the Spirit" (see F.W. Robertson's sermon on this subject). 2 . The wrath of kings. ( Proverbs 20:2 ) In those times of absolute rule, the king... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:3

It is an honour to a man to cease from strife; or better, as Delitzsch and others, to remain far from strife. A prudent man will not only abstain from causing quarrel, but will hold himself aloof from all contention, and thus will have due care for his own honour and dignity. How different is this from the modern cede, which makes a man's honour consist in his readiness to avenge fancied injury at the risk of his own or his neighbour's life! Septuagint, "It is a glory to a man to hold... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:3

The honour of peace The old world looked for glory in war; the Christian ideal—anticipated in Old Testament teaching—is to recognize honour in peace. It is better to keep peace than to be victorious in war, better to make peace than to win battles. Consider the grounds of this higher view of conflict and its issues. I. THE HONOUR OF PEACE MAY BE SEEN IN SELF - SUPPRESSION . It is much more easy to give the reins to ill will and hasty passion. Men find it harder to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:3

(See homily on Proverbs 29:11 .)—C. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 20:2-3

Proverbs 20:2-3. The fear of a king, &c. See on Proverbs 16:14; Proverbs 19:12. It is an honour to a man to cease from strife Either to prevent it, or, if it be begun, to put an end to it: which, although proud and profane persons esteem dishonourable to them, would indeed be their glory, because it would be an evidence of their wisdom and power over their passions, and of their respect and obedience to their sovereign Lord, in which their honour and happiness consist; but every fool... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 20:1-30

Honesty (20:1-30)Wise people will not become drunkards, will not needlessly anger those in authority, will avoid quarrelling and will work to support themselves (20:1-4). They will also have the ability to draw out the deepest feelings and intentions of those with whom they deal (5). Many people boast of their loyalty but few practise it. To live honestly is the best way to guarantee a good future for one’s children (6-7). A king learns by experience to discern between right and wrong in cases... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 20:3

to cease from strife. Illustrations: Abraham (Genesis 13:7-9 . Compare Proverbs 17:14 ); David (1 Samuel 25:32-34 ). fool. Hebrew. 'evil. See note on Proverbs 1:7 . meddling = breaking out. See notes on Proverbs 17:14 ; Proverbs 18:1 . The only other occurrences of gala'. Not the same word as in Proverbs 20:19 . read more

Group of Brands