Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
This phrase warns against the dangers of speaking without careful thought. In biblical times, speech was a powerful tool, and words spoken in haste could lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, or even violence. The book of Proverbs frequently emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in speech (Proverbs 10:19, 17:27-28). The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on measured and wise speech, as seen in the wisdom literature. The phrase also reflects the broader biblical theme of the tongue's power, as seen in James 3:5-6, which compares the tongue to a small fire that can set a forest ablaze.

There is more hope for a fool than for him.
This part of the verse underscores the severity of speaking rashly. In the wisdom literature, a "fool" is often someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, yet even such a person is considered to have more potential for redemption than someone who habitually speaks without thinking. This comparison highlights the gravity of reckless speech. The Bible often contrasts the wise and the foolish, with the latter being those who reject God's instruction (Proverbs 1:7). The statement implies that a fool might still learn and change, but a person who speaks hastily is set in a dangerous pattern that is difficult to correct. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of words and their reflection of the heart (Matthew 12:36-37).

1. The Hasty Speaker
This person is characterized by speaking without thinking, often leading to rash and unwise words.

2. The Fool
In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often making poor decisions.

3. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom and his role as the king of Israel.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was highly valued.

5. The Audience of Proverbs
Primarily the people of Israel, but also applicable to all who seek wisdom and understanding.The Danger of Hasty Speech
Speaking without thinking can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and damaged relationships.

Hasty words often reflect a lack of self-control and wisdom.

The Value of Thoughtful Speech
Taking time to consider our words can lead to more constructive and edifying conversations.

Thoughtful speech reflects maturity and a heart aligned with God's wisdom.

Hope and Redemption
While the verse suggests a dire situation for the hasty speaker, it also implies the possibility of change and growth through seeking wisdom.

Even those who struggle with hasty speech can find hope by turning to God for guidance and transformation.

Practical Steps for Improvement
Practice active listening to understand before responding.

Pray for wisdom and self-control in speech.

Reflect on past conversations to identify patterns of hasty speech and areas for growth.(20) There is more hope of a fool (khesil) than of him.--The fool is a dull, self-satisfied person, but may learn better; the man who is hasty and ill-advised in his words has a harder task before him in governing his tongue. (Comp. James 3:2 sqq.)

Verse 20. - Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? (comp. Proverbs 26:12); Vulgate, velocem ad loquendum; Septuagint, ταχὺν ἐν λόγοις. James 1:19," Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak." "A talkative (γλωσσώδης) man is dangerous in his city; and he that is rash (προπετὴς) in his words shall be hated" (Ecclus. 9:18). We might also translate, "hasty in his matters," "hasty in business," and the gnome would be equally true (see note on Proverbs 19:2). There is more hope era fool than of him. The dull, stupid man (kesil) may be instructed and guided and made to listen to reason; the hasty and ill-advised speaker consults no one, takes no thought before he speaks, nor reflects on the effect of his words; such a man it is almost impossible to reform (see James 3:5, etc.). "Every one that speaks," says St. Gregory, "while he waits for his hearer's sentence upon his words, is as it were subjected to the judgment of him by whom he is heard. Accordingly, he that fears to be condemned in respect of his words ought first to put to the test that which he delivers - that there may be a kind of impartial and sober umpire sitting between the hear and tongue, weighing with exactness whether the heart presents right words, which the tongue taking up with advantage may bring forward for the heater's judgment" ('Moral.,' 8:5, Oxford transl.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Do you see
חָזִ֗יתָ (ḥā·zî·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2372: To gaze at, to perceive, contemplate, to have a, vision of

a man
אִ֭ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

who speaks
בִּדְבָרָ֑יו (biḏ·ḇā·rāw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

in haste?
אָ֣ץ (’āṣ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 213: To press, to be close, hurry, withdraw

There is more hope
תִּקְוָ֖ה (tiq·wāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8615: A cord, expectancy

for a fool
לִכְסִ֣יל (liḵ·sîl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool

than for him.
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who (Prov. Pro Pr)