Proverbs 27:3
Proverbs 27:3 in Multiple Translations
A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.
A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.
A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; But a fool’s vexation is heavier than they both.
A stone has great weight, and sand is crushing; but the wrath of the foolish is of greater weight than these.
Stone may be heavy, and sand may weigh a lot, but the annoyance caused by stupid people is the biggest burden of all.
A stone is heauie, and the sand weightie: but a fooles wrath is heauier then them both.
A stone [is] heavy, and the sand [is] heavy, And the anger of a fool Is heavier than they both.
A stone is heavy, and sand is a burden; but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.
A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than both.
A stone is heavy, and sand weighty: but the anger of a fool is heavier than them both.
It causes pain to our bodies to carry heavy stones or a pail full of sand, but doing something stupid/foolish can cause great pain to other people’s spirits.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 27:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 27:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֹּֽבֶד
אֶ֭בֶן
וְ/נֵ֣טֶל
הַ/ח֑וֹל
וְ/כַ֥עַס
אֱ֝וִ֗יל
כָּבֵ֥ד
מִ/שְּׁנֵי/הֶֽם
כֹּֽבֶד
kôbed
H3514
heaviness
N-ms
אֶ֭בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fs
וְ/נֵ֣טֶל
nêṭel
H5192
weight
Conj | N-ms
הַ/ח֑וֹל
chôwl
H2344
sand
Art | N-ms
וְ/כַ֥עַס
kaʻaç
H3708
vexation
Conj | N-ms
אֱ֝וִ֗יל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
fool(ish)
Adj
כָּבֵ֥ד
kâbêd
H3515
heavy
Adj
מִ/שְּׁנֵי/הֶֽם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Prep | Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 27:3
כֹּֽבֶד
kôbed
H3514
"heaviness"
N-ms
Heaviness or weight is what this word describes, whether it is a great multitude of people, like in 1 Samuel 29, or a heavy burden, as in Isaiah 1.
Definition: 1) weight, heaviness, mass, great 1a) heaviness, weight 1b) mass, abundance 1c) vehemence, heaviness
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: grievousness, heavy, great number. See also: Proverbs 27:3; Isaiah 30:27; Isaiah 21:15.
אֶ֭בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
וְ/נֵ֣טֶל
nêṭel
H5192
"weight"
Conj | N-ms
A burden or weight, like in 1 Samuel 5:11 where the Philistines felt the weight of God's hand. It refers to something that is heavy or burdensome.
Definition: burden, weight
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: weighty. See also: Proverbs 27:3.
הַ/ח֑וֹל
chôwl
H2344
"sand"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to sand, describing it as round or whirling particles. It is used in the Bible to talk about the desert or beach, and is often translated simply as 'sand'.
Definition: sand
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: sand. See also: Genesis 22:17; Job 6:3; Psalms 78:27.
וְ/כַ֥עַס
kaʻaç
H3708
"vexation"
Conj | N-ms
This noun refers to the feeling of anger or frustration, like in Deuteronomy 32 where it describes God's vexation with the Israelites. It can also mean grief or provocation. It's a strong negative emotion.
Definition: anger, vexation Also means: ka.as (כַּ֫עַשׂ "vexation" H3708B)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: anger, angry, grief, indignation, provocation, provoking, [idiom] sore, sorrow, spite, wrath. See also: Deuteronomy 32:19; Psalms 10:14; Psalms 6:8.
אֱ֝וִ֗יל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
"fool(ish)"
Adj
The Hebrew word for a foolish person, someone who despises wisdom or mocks when guilty. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are quarrelsome or licentious. The KJV translates it as 'fool' or 'foolish man'.
Definition: 1) be foolish, foolish 1a) (subst) 1a1) of one who despises wisdom 1a2) of one who mocks when guilty 1a3) of one who is quarrelsome 1a4) of one who is licentious
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish) (man). See also: Job 5:2; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 107:17.
כָּבֵ֥ד
kâbêd
H3515
"heavy"
Adj
Something or someone that is heavy or severe is what this word describes, like a heavy heart in Proverbs 12 or a difficult task, as in Matthew 23.
Definition: 1) heavy, great 1a) heavy 1b) massive, abundant, numerous 1c) heavy, dull 1d) hard, difficult, burdensome 1e) very oppressive, numerous, rich
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: (so) great, grievous, hard(-ened), (too) heavy(-ier), laden, much, slow, sore, thick. See also: Genesis 12:10; Numbers 11:14; Psalms 38:5.
מִ/שְּׁנֵי/הֶֽם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Prep | Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
Study Notes — Proverbs 27:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 27:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 27:3
Context — Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
1Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips.
3A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.
4Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy? 5Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 3:19 | At this, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual, |
| 2 | 1 John 3:12 | Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. |
| 3 | Genesis 49:7 | Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel. |
| 4 | Proverbs 17:12 | It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 22:18–19 | So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. |
| 6 | Genesis 34:25–26 | Three days later, while they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons (Dinah’s brothers Simeon and Levi) took their swords, went into the unsuspecting city, and slaughtered every male. They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with their swords, took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went away. |
| 7 | Esther 3:5–6 | When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage. And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the notion of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes. |
Proverbs 27:3 Summary
This verse is saying that dealing with someone who is foolish and lacking in wisdom can be very frustrating and overwhelming, even more so than carrying a heavy physical load. This is because the emotional toll of dealing with a foolish person can be draining and affect our relationships and well-being. As seen in Proverbs 22:24-25, it's important to be careful about the company we keep and to surround ourselves with wise and discerning people. By seeking wisdom and discernment from God, as described in James 1:5, we can avoid being a source of aggravation to others and cultivate healthy and positive relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible mean by 'aggravation from a fool' in Proverbs 27:3?
The Bible is referring to the frustration and irritation that comes from dealing with someone who lacks wisdom and discernment, as seen in Proverbs 12:1, where it says 'Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.'
Why is aggravation from a fool considered heavier than a stone or sand?
This is because the weight of a stone or sand is physical and can be measured, but the emotional toll of dealing with a foolish person can be overwhelming and draining, much like the feeling of being overwhelmed by the troubles of this world, as described in Psalms 55:22
How can I avoid being a fool and causing aggravation to others?
To avoid being a fool, we must seek wisdom and discernment from God, as Proverbs 9:10 says 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.'
What can I do when I am dealing with someone who is causing me aggravation?
When dealing with someone who is causing aggravation, we can follow the example of Proverbs 15:1, which says 'A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have allowed foolishness to cause aggravation in my life, and how can I turn to God for wisdom?
- How can I respond to someone who is being foolish and causing aggravation, in a way that honors God and promotes peace?
- What are some things that I can do to cultivate wisdom and discernment in my own life, so that I am not a source of aggravation to others?
- In what ways can I trust God to give me the strength and patience to deal with difficult people, as promised in Philippians 4:13?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:3
A stone [is] heavy, and the sand weighty,.... As was the stone which was at the well's mouth, where Laban's flocks were watered, which could not be rolled away till all the shepherds were gathered
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:3
A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. A stone ... the sand ... a fool's wrath is heavier than them both - both to himself and to others.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:3
Heavier; more grievous and intolerable, as being without cause, without measure, and without end.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:3
Proverbs 27:3 A stone [is] heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’ s wrath [is] heavier than them both. Ver. 3. But a fool’ s wrath is heavier than them both.] Himself cannot rule nor repress it, but that he dies of the sullens sometimes, as that fool Nabal did. Much less can others endure it without trouble and regret, especially when so peevish and past grace as to be angry with those that approve not, applaud not his folly. How angry was Nebuchadnezzar, how much hotter was his heart than his oven against those three worthies, for refusing to fall down before his golden mawmet! How unsufferable was Herod’ s anger in the massacre at Bethlehem, and the primitive persecutors for the two first ages after Christ, that I come no lower. See my Common Place of Anger.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:3
(3) But a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both—i.e., harder to bear. (Comp. Sir 12:15.) The “fool” here (evil) is the headstrong, self-willed person. who has never learned to control himself, but bursts out into the maddest rage when crossed.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:3
3. Comp. Sir 22:15.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:3
Compare Ecclus. 22:15; a like comparison between the heaviest material burdens and the more intolerable load of unreasoning passion.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:3
3. A stone is heavy — The words “heavy” and “heavier” are employed, in this verse, in both a literal and a tropical sense.
Sermons on Proverbs 27:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Man God Tore Apart - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the pastor discusses the troubled state of the world and predicts that it will become even more troubled in the next 10 years. He emphasizes that there are three ty |
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Woman's Most Vulnerable Area of Attack by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes about aging and the impact it has on individuals. He emphasizes that despite the physical changes that come with age, the focu |
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Husbands as Spiritual Protectors by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes about aging and the impact it has on individuals and their families. He emphasizes that despite the physical effects of aging, |
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Stand Fearless for God by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. The sermon emphasizes the importance of true freedom, which comes from |
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Can Two Walk Together? by James Macginlay | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and dismisses the idea of fake religions that rely on visions, dreams, and hallucinations. He encourages the congre |
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(Genesis) Genesis 4:11-15 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Cain and Abel from the book of Genesis. He highlights how Cain's sin of offering an unacceptable sacrifice to God led to him be |
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Sin Crouching at the Door by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon delves into the urgent need to address the issue of sin as a barrier to revival, emphasizing the importance of mastering sin through Christ. It explores the story of Ca |