What does Proverbs 27:3 mean?

The Bible often advises that we ignore petty insults (Proverbs 12:16; Matthew 5:39) and not respond to those merely looking for trouble (Proverbs 20:3; 1 Peter 4:15; Matthew 7:6). Verses such as this acknowledge that this is not always easy. It can be extraordinarily difficult to "rise above" a persistent, purposeful antagonist. Part of the wisdom in this statement comes from the power of sympathy: knowing others recognize our struggle can often help us endure with a better attitude. The following verse (Proverbs 27:4) makes a similar remark about the stress caused by jealousy.

This type of fool (Proverbs 1:7; 22:10) is impetuous and self-willed. He lacks self-discipline. Instead, he blurts out false accusations or purposeful lies in uncontrolled anger (Proverbs 10:19; 25:28). The target of a fool's anger often finds this "heavy" to bear, as if being forced to carry a heavy stone or boulder. Given a literal choice, many people would rather struggle to lift a heavy load than withstand constant irritation from an enemy.

Wisdom dictates it's best to ignore provocation. When Jesus was falsely reviled, he did not retaliate. Instead, He "continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). Peter cites Jesus' response to aggression as an example believers should follow when they suffer similar injustice. He writes: "But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God" (1 Peter 2:20).