Proverbs 20:3

The Message

It’s a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights.

Cross References

Genesis 13:8

Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have fighting between us, between your shepherds and my shepherds. After all, we’re family. Look around. Isn’t there plenty of land out there? Let’s separate. If you go left, I’ll go right; if you go right, I’ll go left.”

2 Kings 14:9

Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah, “One day a thistle in Lebanon sent word to a cedar in Lebanon, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ But then a wild animal of Lebanon passed by and stepped on the thistle, crushing it. Just because you’ve defeated Edom in battle, you now think you’re a big shot. Go ahead and be proud, but stay home. Why press your luck? Why bring defeat on yourself and Judah?”

Proverbs 14:17

The hotheaded do things they’ll later regret; the coldhearted get the cold shoulder.

Proverbs 14:29

Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding; a quick-tempered person stockpiles stupidity.

Proverbs 16:32

Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power.

Proverbs 17:14

The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts.

Proverbs 18:6

The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him.

Proverbs 19:11

Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.

Proverbs 21:24

You know their names—Brash, Impudent, Blasphemer— intemperate hotheads, every one.

Proverbs 26:17

You grab a mad dog by the ears when you butt into a quarrel that’s none of your business.

James 4:1

Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.