Proverbs 29:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A person who rushes to speak is worse than a fool.
The Context of Proverbs 29:20
Proverbs on speech: hasty words are more foolish than foolishness itself.
What Does Proverbs 29:20 Mean?
Hastiness in speech—blurting out opinions, answering before listening, speaking without thinking—is a serious flaw. A fool lacks wisdom, but this hasty person has some capacity for wisdom yet refuses to use it. He bypasses thought and launches into words, often wounding or embarrassing himself.
The comparison to a fool is cutting: at least a fool has the excuse of limited understanding. The hasty speaker, by contrast, actively chooses speed over reflection. There is 'more hope' for the fool because he might learn; the hasty person has adopted a pattern that blocks learning.
Proverbs 29:20 in the Original Language
amal (אמל), hasty—speaking quickly without deliberation, in a rush.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 29:20
What does Proverbs 29:20 mean?
A person who rushes to speak is worse than a fool.
What is the context of Proverbs 29:20?
Proverbs on speech: hasty words are more foolish than foolishness itself.