Proverbs 29:9 Commentary and Bible Study

There is no need to see this proverb as given in the formal setting of the courtroom. This is only done by borrowing elements of a trial from near and far with little justification, and then reading these into the verse. Controversy starts well before the courtroom and a private encounter between the wise and the fool is just as good an explanation for the verse as the later formal stages of justice. This also explains the liberty to express rage and laughter which would not be allowed during a trial. A wise man then has a just reason to correct a fool and to rebuke him for some fault. It is a serious matter which cannot simply be overlooked and he is therefore prepared to enter into controversy with him. The result is not a good one and the point of the proverb is to show the implacability of the ungodly, represented by the foolish man. It teaches us something of the nature of foolishness. But who is the subject of the verbs in the second part of the verse? Is it the wise man or the fool who is angry and who laughs? If it is the fool is the subject then the verse describes what the wise have to put up with if they are imprudent enough to dispute with a fool. In this case the two verbs will be taken in a more derogatory way – ‘whether he rages or scoffs’. If the wise is the subject then the translation will be more positive – ‘whether he is angry or he laughs’ – and there is a more instructive lesson. The wise man is trying hard to get the fool to see his fault and therefore tries various approaches. He tries to be stern with the fool (which is what he deserves and ought to respond to), but if this does not work he tries to be more gentle with him. The important thing is to get the fool to admit his folly. But the result is the same in either case, and the fool refuses to concede. Therefore the feud continues and there is no peace, no rest. This latter is the more natural reading of the verse.