Translations
F.O.G.MPrimary
F.O.G MessageWhen a wise man takes a fool to court, the fool just rages and laughs — there's no resolution, no rest.
F.O.GSecondary
The F.O.GWhen a wise man disputes with a fool, there is raging and laughter — but no peace.
KJV
King James VersionIf a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
BSB
Berean Standard BibleIf a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.
Footnotes
*Nishpat* ('disputes/goes to court with') is a legal term for formal dispute — this likely pictures a lawsuit or judicial arbitration specifically. The fool's response, alternating between rage (*ragaz*) and laughter (*saḥaq*), makes rational settlement impossible. *Naḥat* ('quiet/rest/peace') is not merely the absence of noise but settled resolution and security. FOG Message draws out the courtroom implication of the verb to make the scene concrete; FOG keeps the scene applicable to any dispute.