Proverbs 3:30

KJV

Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

KJV (with Strong's)

Strive {H7378} not with a man {H120} without cause {H2600}, if he have done {H1580} thee no harm {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't quarrel with someone for no reason, if he has done you no harm.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm.

American Standard Version

Strive not with a man without cause, If he have done thee no harm.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 3:30 delivers a profound and practical directive for wise living, counseling against the initiation of conflict or dispute without legitimate justification. It specifically warns against engaging in contention when no actual harm or injustice has been inflicted by another person. This divine wisdom advocates for a posture of peace, prudence, and patience, encouraging believers to cultivate discernment in their interactions and to prioritize harmony and reconciliation over unnecessary strife, thereby reflecting a character shaped by godly wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 3:30 is situated within a broader section of practical wisdom instructions found in [Proverbs 3:27-35](/proverbs/3-27-35 "Proverbs 3:27-35 - Instructions for Righteous Living"). This segment immediately follows a foundational exhortation to absolute trust in the Lord and acknowledgment of Him in all aspects of life, as articulated in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"). The verses directly preceding verse 30 provide counsel on ethical conduct towards one's neighbor: [Proverbs 3:27](/proverbs/3-27 "Proverbs 3:27 - Do Not Withhold Good") warns against withholding good, [Proverbs 3:28](/proverbs/3-28 "Proverbs 3:28 - Do Not Delay Payment") against delaying payment, and [Proverbs 3:29](/proverbs/3-29 "Proverbs 3:29 - Do Not Plot Evil") against plotting evil against a neighbor who lives securely. Thus, [Proverbs 3:30](/proverbs/3-30 "Proverbs 3:30 - Avoid Baseless Strife") naturally extends these principles of righteous community living, shifting from active benevolence and non-malice to the avoidance of passive or active contention. It forms a cohesive unit with the surrounding counsel, emphasizing peace, honesty, and good neighborliness as essential hallmarks of a wise individual.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, disputes, whether personal grievances or formal legal matters, often held significant social weight and could escalate quickly. Such conflicts were typically resolved through community elders or legal proceedings at the city gate, the public forum for justice. The Hebrew term for "strive" (*rîyb*) could encompass both verbal arguments and formal legal contention, highlighting the gravity of initiating conflict. The phrase "without cause" (*chinnâm*) underscores a deeply held cultural value: actions, particularly those initiating conflict, required clear justification. Initiating strife without a demonstrable wrong was considered foolish, disruptive, and a threat to societal harmony. The wisdom literature, including [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life"), frequently addresses practical ethics for daily life, aiming to cultivate a stable and just society. Avoiding baseless disputes was crucial for maintaining social cohesion, preventing cycles of vendetta, and averting unnecessary litigation, which could be financially and socially ruinous for individuals and families. The proverb thus reflects a profound desire for a community where relationships are preserved and peace is actively pursued over gratuitous contention.
* **Key Themes:** [Proverbs 3:30](/proverbs/3-30 "Proverbs 3:30 - Avoid Baseless Strife") significantly contributes to several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs. Foremost, it champions the theme of **Prudence and Discernment**, urging the wise person to carefully evaluate situations and motivations before engaging in conflict. It teaches that true wisdom involves a measured, thoughtful response, rather than an impulsive or reactive one. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Peaceful Living and Community Harmony**, advocating for a disposition that actively seeks to avoid strife and foster good relationships. This aligns seamlessly with the broader biblical call to live peaceably with all people, as exhorted in [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably with All If Possible"). Thirdly, the verse touches upon **Justice and Righteousness**, implying that while baseless conflict is forbidden, there are legitimate grounds for addressing actual harm or injustice. However, the default posture of the wise is one of non-aggression when no harm has been done, reflecting a commitment to righteous conduct that prioritizes communal peace over personal contention. This principle is a core tenet of wisdom found throughout [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life"), guiding individuals to live lives that honor God and benefit their neighbors.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strive (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** From H7378, this primitive root properly means "to toss" or "grapple," but mostly figuratively, "to wrangle" or "hold a controversy." It signifies an active engagement in conflict, whether through verbal argumentation, legal proceedings, or any form of adversarial interaction. The prohibition is specifically against initiating such contention without proper justification.
* **Without cause (Hebrew, _chinnâm'_):** From H2600, this term means "gratis," "devoid of cost, reason, or advantage." It strongly emphasizes the absence of any justifiable provocation, injury, or legitimate basis for the dispute. The conflict would be baseless, stemming from a lack of genuine wrong, and therefore utterly unwarranted.
* **Harm (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this word denotes "bad" or "evil" (natural or moral), encompassing "adversity," "affliction," "hurt," or "mischief." In this context, it refers to any actual injury, wrong, or damage inflicted upon the individual. The proverb's crucial condition, "if he have done thee no harm," indicates that the absence of a real, demonstrable grievance makes contention entirely without cause and thus forbidden.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Strive not with a man without cause":** This clause issues a direct, imperative command to refrain from engaging in disputes, quarrels, or legal contentions. The "man" (Hebrew: *ʼâdâm*, H120) refers to a fellow human being, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peaceful interpersonal relationships. The critical qualification "without cause" (Hebrew: *chinnâm*) underscores that the prohibition is specifically against initiating conflict when there is no legitimate reason, provocation, or demonstrable wrong that warrants it. This calls for intentional self-restraint, careful evaluation of the situation, and a conscious decision to avoid gratuitous contention.
* **"if he have done thee no harm":** This conditional clause provides the specific criterion for avoiding strife, serving as the determining factor for the preceding command. It clarifies that the absence of any actual injury, wrong, or damage (Hebrew: *raʻ*) inflicted by the other person renders any initiated dispute unjustifiable. This highlights the importance of discerning genuine grievances from perceived slights, trivial matters, or personal pride, thereby promoting peace and reconciliation over unnecessary confrontation and discord.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:30 primarily employs **Didacticism**, directly instructing the reader on wise and ethical conduct within interpersonal relationships. It utilizes a clear **Negative Command** ("Strive not") which is immediately qualified by a **Conditional Clause** ("if he have done thee no harm"), specifying the precise circumstances under which the command applies. This structure makes the wisdom practical, actionable, and nuanced. The verse also employs **Juxtaposition** by implicitly contrasting the wise individual, who exercises restraint and avoids baseless strife, with the foolish individual, who might impulsively engage in conflict without just cause. The concept of "harm" functions as a **Litmus Test**, providing a clear and objective standard by which to evaluate the justification for entering into a dispute, thereby guiding the reader towards a disposition of peace and discernment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on peace, reconciliation, and the avoidance of unnecessary contention. It reflects a divine wisdom that prioritizes harmony within the community and actively discourages the destructive nature of baseless conflict. The principle that one should not seek out strife without legitimate cause is a foundational aspect of godly character, demonstrating patience, self-control, and a desire for righteousness and justice rather than personal vindication or prideful engagement. This wisdom is not merely about avoiding trouble; it is about actively cultivating a disposition that reflects God's own character of peace and justice, where disputes are resolved only when truly necessary and with a just cause, always seeking the highest good for all involved.

* [Proverbs 20:3](/proverbs/20-3 "Proverbs 20:3 - It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live peaceably with all")
* [2 Timothy 2:24](/2_timothy/2-24 "2 Timothy 2:24 - The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 3:30 remains profoundly relevant in our contemporary world, which often seems to thrive on conflict, especially in digital spaces where anonymity can embolden contentious behavior. This verse challenges us to pause and prayerfully consider our motivations before engaging in any form of dispute, whether it's a heated argument with a family member, a contentious email at work, a public debate, or a comment on social media. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of peace and to honestly ask ourselves: "Has genuine harm been done to me, or am I reacting out of pride, misunderstanding, a desire to be right, or mere irritation?" By embracing this timeless wisdom, we are empowered to become agents of peace in our relationships, choosing to de-escalate rather than provoke, and to build bridges rather than walls. This involves exercising patience, seeking clarity, practicing empathy, and prioritizing reconciliation, thereby reflecting a character that truly embodies godly wisdom and promotes harmony in all spheres of life, honoring God in our interactions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most prone to "strive" without legitimate cause, and what underlying motivations might be driving this behavior?**
* **How can I better discern between a legitimate grievance that requires addressing and a situation where no real harm has been done, and thus, strife is unwarranted?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more peaceful, patient, and less contentious disposition in my daily interactions, both in person and online?**
* **How does my current engagement in online discussions, debates, or social media interactions reflect or contradict the wisdom of Proverbs 3:30?**

### FAQ
**What does "strive not with a man without cause" truly mean in modern terms?**

Answer: In modern terms, this proverb advises against initiating arguments, conflicts, or legal disputes when there is no legitimate reason or demonstrable harm done to you. It's a call to avoid unnecessary contention, whether it's a verbal spat, a social media debate, or even a formal complaint, if the other party has not actually wronged you. It encourages a default posture of peace and discernment, urging us to consider if a conflict is truly warranted or if it stems from pride, misunderstanding, or trivial matters. For instance, it would caution against picking a fight over a minor irritation if no actual damage or injustice has occurred, promoting a spirit of forbearance and quiet diplomacy instead.

**Does this proverb mean I should never stand up for myself or for justice?**

Answer: No, this proverb does not advocate for passive acceptance of all wrongs or for never seeking justice. The crucial qualifier is "if he have done thee no harm." This implies that if actual harm, injustice, or a legitimate wrong *has* been done, then there may indeed be a cause for contention or for seeking justice. The wisdom here is about avoiding *baseless* or *unnecessary* strife. The Bible consistently calls for justice and righteousness, and there are times when it is necessary to confront evil or advocate for those who are wronged (e.g., [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to Do Good; Seek Justice")). However, the default posture of the wise person, according to this proverb, should be one of peace and non-aggression when no direct harm has been inflicted, reserving contention for truly righteous causes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 3:30 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied this divine principle. While the proverb counsels against striving without cause, Jesus Himself never engaged in baseless contention, but always acted with divine purpose, perfect justice, and profound peace. He did not "strive, nor cry, nor did anyone hear his voice in the streets" ([Matthew 12:19](/matthew/12-19 "Matthew 12:19 - Jesus, the Servant of the Lord")), thereby fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah concerning the Suffering Servant. Yet, when confronted with genuine evil and injustice, such as the desecration of His Father's house, He acted decisively and righteously ([John 2:13-17](/john/2-13-17 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). His entire life was a testament to seeking peace, even when wronged, as profoundly demonstrated by His willingness to suffer unjustly on the cross rather than retaliate or engage in a baseless fight ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). Ultimately, Christ's sacrifice on the cross was not a striving *against* us, but a striving *for* us, taking away the very cause of our alienation from God—our sin—so that we might have profound and lasting peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ")). Through His perfect example and His atoning work, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to put off bitterness, wrath, and strife, and instead to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" ([Ephesians 4:31-32](/ephesians/4-31-32 "Ephesians 4:31-32 - Be Kind and Forgiving")). Thus, the wisdom of avoiding baseless strife is not merely a moral guideline but a profound reflection of the peacemaking character of Christ, who reconciled us to God and calls us to be peacemakers in the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 2:24

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,

Proverbs 29:22

¶ An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

Proverbs 18:6

¶ A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

Proverbs 25:8

¶ Go not forth hastily to strive, lest [thou know not] what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Proverbs 25:9

Debate thy cause with thy neighbour [himself]; and discover not a secret to another:

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.