This saying contrasts the effect of scoffers with that of wise people in the affairs of a city.

“Scoffers set a city aflame”: For “Scoffers” see 1.22. The Hebrew wording pictures someone blowing on hot coals to produce a flame. The sense is to incite or stir up the passions and violence of the people of a town and thus to cause political and social unrest. Note Good News Translation “throw . . . into turmoil.” We may also say, for example, “Scoffers can turn a peaceful town into a troubled one.”

“But wise men turn away wrath”: To “turn away wrath” means to bring back peace, reestablish calm, or restore order. Bible en français courant says “but people of reason pacify the disturbed inhabitants.” In one translation this is expressed as “But people of good thinking make anger die and make people peaceful.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .