Together in Christ: 'No Satisfaction' — Proverbs 29:9

Friday, April 25, 2025

If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.

— Proverbs 29:9 NLT

Key Thought

I love this proverb, and I don't think it needs a lot of explanation. A wise person will likely gain very little satisfaction from trying to gain compensation from a fool. Fools seldom operate from reasonable, ethical, or appropriate standards of behavior, thinking, or values. [1] That is why they are known as fools. [2] Fools often have very little money to win back as compensation for their wrongs because they have wasted what they had. [3] Many foolish people don't believe in God and don't live by His ways, so their moral compass is warped. [4] Instead, fools often are loud, obnoxious, quarrelsome, and argumentative wrong-doers. [5] Trying to win back what is rightfully yours from a fool leads to loud conflicts and little satisfaction. We shouldn't seek retribution from fools - or anyone else - but rather focus our energies and attention on what can bring a blessing to others and honor God! [6]

[1] Proverbs 15:7, 14, 21; Ecclesiastes 7:7.
[2] Proverbs 10:8, 20, 17:16.
[3] Proverbs 10:14, 14:24, 21:20.
[4] Psalm 14:1, 53:1; Proverbs 1:7, 13:19, 14:19.
[5] Proverbs 10:23, 26, 12:16, 23, 15:2, 17:12; 18:2, 6, 20:3.
[6] Proverbs 10:21; Romans 12:19, 14:19, 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 15; Ephesians 4:28-29; Jude 1:20; 1 Peter 3:9; Luke 6:27-28.

Today's Prayer

O dear Father, please bless me with the wisdom and courage not to try to get even or get compensation for the wounds inflicted by a fool. Based on your truth, I realize now that my time could better be invested in bringing Your goodness, grace, and blessing to others. I confess that a part of me wants to get even and get justice from those who have wounded or taken advantage of me. Nevertheless, I don't want to waste my time and energy only to grow more frustrated and dissatisfied. Even more so, I don't want to seek retribution when You have told me to love and forgive. I ask for the Holy Spirit's help to forgive and move on with my life. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 53:1-6
  • Matthew 5:3-16, 38-48

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Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 29:9 NLT — If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.

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About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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