Called to Controversy

(Pro 29:9 KJV)  If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

The translations are weak here to me.  I refer to the term “contendeth" (has a controversy NASB) (8199).  The Hebrew is a common word in the OT and the overwhelming translations have to do with the word “judge”.  In this case the “wise” (2450)  “man” (376) is the government official having the responsibility to lay down the law.  

Context is always tricky in Proverbs.  I think this could apply well to parents trying to guide their children.  If you look at the surrounding verses you see the contrast between people God would consider righteous and those who are evil.  Keep in mind that the world we live in does not want to submit to the standards that God demands.  Too often we see the same thing in the formal church.

So?  When called on to declare truth expect this kind of reaction.  As Christians in modern America we need to understand that this will frequently apply in areas having to do with sexual relationships and how we treat the environment.  The Bible speaks to these.  We need to follow.