Proverbs 29:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

NIV: Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.

NASB: Do you see a person who is hasty with his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

CSB: Do you see someone who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

NLT: There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.

KJV: Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

NKJV: Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

The book of Proverbs generally describes a "fool" as one who ignores godly truth and common sense (Proverbs 1:7; 3:1–5; 12:15). That attitude leads to tragedy, eventually. Either on earth, or in eternity, or both, the person who ignores the call of godly wisdom will suffer (Proverbs 8:32–36; 10:27). This proverb points out that a "typical" fool might find wisdom and change his ways before disaster strikes (Proverbs 8:5). If they're open to advice, they at least have a chance (Proverbs 26:12). The one who fails to control their temper, or regulate their words, is far more likely to suffer immediate, drastic consequences. James advises that "every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (James 1:19).

Several lessons in this passage connect how one controls their speech to their level of wisdom (Proverbs 29:9, 11). This parallels Scripture's general teaching on the importance of regulating one's temper (Proverbs 14:17; 15:18; 21:23; Galatians 5:22–23; Titus 1:7). Blurting out angry words or reacting without thinking can lead to immediate, unfortunate consequences (Proverbs 18:6–7; 25:28).

Peter often spoke impulsively without thinking first. He rebuked Jesus when the Lord predicted His betrayal and death. He complained, "Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you" (Matthew 16:22). Jesus responded: "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man" (Matthew 16:23). Later, Jesus noted that His disciples would all abandon Him when His enemies came to arrest Him (Matthew 26:31). Peter blurted out a claim that he'd never do such a thing (Matthew 26:33). Yet that same night, Peter claimed he didn't even know Jesus (Matthew 26:69–75).

Much of this passage refers to negative consequences of unwise attitudes or behavior: stubbornness leads to brokenness. Lack of self-control brings shame. Ignorant, ungodly rulers spread sin and corruption. Pride leads to humiliation. Most of these statements follow the two-part pattern established elsewhere in the book of Proverbs. The final lesson summarizes the deep difference between those who are godly and those who pursue their own desires.

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.