Proverbs 29:9 (BSB)

If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.

From Proverbs 29. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 29:9

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 29:9: A wise man is here advised not to set his wit to a fool's, not to dispute with him, or by contending with him to think either of fastening reason upon him or gaining right from him: If a wise man contend with a wise man, he may hope to be understood, and, as far as he has reason and equity on his side, to...
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 29:9: If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man,.... Enters into a controversy with him, either by word or writing, in order to convince him of his folly and wickedness, of his errors and mistakes; whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest; that is, either whether the fool is angry with the wise man, and rages at him and abuses him, and calls...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 29:9: contendeth--that is, in law. whether . . . laugh--The fool, whether angry or good-humored, is unsettled; or referring the words to the wise man, the sense is, that all his efforts, severe or gentle, are unavailing to pacify the fool.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 29:9: [If] a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rageth or laugheth, [there is] no rest. (c) He can hear no admonition no matter how it is spoken.