Proverbs 3:30 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.

NIV: Do not accuse anyone for no reason-- when they have done you no harm.

NASB: Do not contend with a person for no reason, If he has done you no harm.

CSB: Don't accuse anyone without cause, when he has done you no harm.

NLT: Don’t pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm.

KJV: Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

NKJV: Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.

A "proverb" is a general-case statement of advice. In the ancient day, as today, these are not understood as absolute guarantees. Instead, they explain the best course of action, along with the most typical result. In this case, Solomon teaches that a wise person doesn't pick fights. If a person has not grievously wronged us, we have no reason to quarrel with him. Note, however, this verse allows that some conflicts with others are justified—what's condemned is strife without a compelling reason.

In some parts of America, this is summed up with the English idiom "don't start none, won't be none," referring to trouble as something one ought not stir up without a good reason. That idiom is just a rephrasing of Romans 12:18, which instructs: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Common sense says that it's better not to start fights and arguments than to be constantly embroiled in them.

Those who live according to the sinful nature stir up strife and dissensions (Galatians 5:20), whereas those who walk in the Spirit manifest peace in their lives (Galatians 5:16, 22). Paul rebuked the contentious members of the Galatian churches and warned them about the consequences of their actions. He wrote: "If you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another" (Galatians 5:15).

In listing the requirements of an overseer, Paul wrote they should be "not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome" (1 Timothy 3:3). Near the end of his life, Paul called out by name Alexander the coppersmith. He charged: "Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds" (2 Timothy 4:14).

Can you imagine how much less strife and bitterness there would be in the church—let alone the world—if every believer obeyed the injunction of this verse?

This chapter of Proverbs is addressed to Solomon's son. The term, ''my son'' occurs 15 times in chapters 1—7. The words may apply to one of Solomon's students in his court or to one of his biological sons. The application of wisdom in Proverbs 3 shows the benefits of trusting in the Lord with one's whole heart. Solomon credits obedience to and trust in God for longevity, success, guidance, health, reward that exceeds monetary wealth, enjoyment, peace, security, confidence, excellent human relationships, the Lord's blessing and favor, and honor. As with all ''proverbs,'' biblical or otherwise, their purpose is to impart general wisdom, not absolute prophecy. Like the original audience, modern readers are not expected to see these guidelines as absolute guarantees for any one person.

This passage lies in the second section of the book, found in chapters 1—9. The author, King Solomon, reigned over Israel from 971 to 931 BC. The first section of Proverbs, the preface, is found in Proverbs 1:1–7. The third section, chapters 10—22, were also written by Solomon. These proverbs were likely written by Solomon in his middle years, whereas he probably wrote Song of Songs in his early adulthood, and Ecclesiastes near the end of his life. As in the first two chapters, wisdom is stressed in Proverbs 3.

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.