Proverbs 27:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool 's provocation is heavier than both.

NIV: Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.

NASB: A stone is heavy and the sand weighty, But the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them.

CSB: A stone is heavy and sand, a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.

NLT: A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but the resentment caused by a fool is even heavier.

KJV: A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.

NKJV: A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them.

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).

Wise sayings from this chapter warn about overconfidence and bragging. Solomon also encourages positive friendships and the wisdom they provide. He offers several notes about self-examination and the need for personal accountability. Many of the proverbs in this passage touch on the concept of speaking truth in love, even if it's not what the other person would like to hear. The end of the chapter uses the example of livestock to make a point about good stewardship.

This continues a collection of approximately one hundred proverbs associated with Solomon. King Hezekiah's men, probably his scribes, copied these from other scrolls (Proverbs 25:1). This chapter includes references to overconfidence, the value of friendships, and the importance of good stewardship. The assembly of Solomon's wise teachings continues through the end of chapter 29.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.