Proverbs 15:18
Proverbs 15:18 in Multiple Translations
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
A wrathful man stirreth up contention; But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
An angry man makes men come to blows, but he who is slow to get angry puts an end to fighting.
Short-tempered people stir up trouble, but those slow to anger calm things down.
An angrie man stirreth vp strife: but hee that is slowe to wrath, appeaseth strife.
A man of fury stirreth up contention, And the slow to anger appeaseth strife.
A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
A passionate man stirreth up strifes: he that is patient appeaseth those that are stirred up.
Those who quickly become angry cause arguments/quarreling, but those who do not quickly become angry cause people to act peacefully.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:18
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 15:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִ֣ישׁ
חֵ֭מָה
יְגָרֶ֣ה
מָד֑וֹן
וְ/אֶ֥רֶך
אַ֝פַּ֗יִם
יַשְׁקִ֥יט
רִֽיב
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
חֵ֭מָה
chêmâh
H2534
rage
N-fs
יְגָרֶ֣ה
gârâh
H1624
to stir up
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
מָד֑וֹן
mâdôwn
H4066
strife
N-ms
וְ/אֶ֥רֶך
ʼârêk
H750
slow
Conj | Adj
אַ֝פַּ֗יִם
ʼaph
H639
face
N-md
יַשְׁקִ֥יט
shâqaṭ
H8252
to quiet
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
רִֽיב
rîyb
H7379
strife
N-cs
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 15:18
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
חֵ֭מָה
chêmâh
H2534
"rage"
N-fs
This word means intense anger or rage, like a burning fire. It's used in the Bible to describe God's wrath and human anger, often warning against the dangers of unchecked emotions. In Proverbs and Psalms, it cautions against the destructive power of anger and rage.
Definition: 1) heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison, bottles 1a) heat 1a1) fever 1a2) venom, poison (fig.) 1b) burning anger, rage Aramaic equivalent: che.ma (חֱמָא "rage" H2528)
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful). See H2529 (חֶמְאָה). See also: Genesis 27:44; Isaiah 63:5; Psalms 6:2.
יְגָרֶ֣ה
gârâh
H1624
"to stir up"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To stir up or cause strife, this verb is often used to describe conflict or anger. It can also mean to meddle or contend with someone, and is used in various stories in the Bible, including those of war and disagreement. The KJV translates it as 'contend' or 'stir up'.
Definition: 1) to cause strife, stir up, contend, meddle, strive, be stirred up 1a) (Piel) to stir up strife, excite strife 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to excite oneself against, engage in strife 1b2) to excite oneself (against foe), wage war
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: contend, meddle, stir up, strive. See also: Deuteronomy 2:5; Proverbs 15:18; Proverbs 28:4.
מָד֑וֹן
mâdôwn
H4066
"strife"
N-ms
This word signifies strife or contention, describing a state of conflict or argument, as seen in KJV translations like brawling or discord. It is often used to describe disagreements or quarrels between people.
Definition: 1) strife, contention 1a) strife, contention 1b) object of contention
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: brawling, contention(-ous), discord, strife. Compare H4079 (מִדְיָן), H4090 (מְדָן). See also: Psalms 80:7; Proverbs 23:29; Proverbs 6:14.
וְ/אֶ֥רֶך
ʼârêk
H750
"slow"
Conj | Adj
This word describes something or someone as long or patient, often referring to God's slow anger. It is used to describe long pinions or being patient. The KJV translates it as long-suffering or patient.
Definition: 1) long (pinions) 2) patient, slow to anger
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: long(-suffering, -winged), patient, slow (to anger). See also: Exodus 34:6; Proverbs 15:18; Psalms 86:15.
אַ֝פַּ֗יִם
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-md
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
יַשְׁקִ֥יט
shâqaṭ
H8252
"to quiet"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To quiet or be at peace is what this Hebrew word means, like the stillness after a storm, as described in Psalm 107:30.
Definition: 1) to be quiet, be tranquil, be at peace, be quiet, rest, lie still, be undisturbed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be quiet, be undisturbed 1a1a) to be at peace (of land) 1a2) to be quiet, be inactive 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to show quietness 1b1a) quietness, display of quietness (subst) 1b2) to quiet, be quiet 1b3) to cause quietness, pacify, allay
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: appease, idleness, (at, be at, be in, give) quiet(-ness), (be at, be in, give, have, take) rest, settle, be still. See also: Joshua 11:23; Psalms 76:9; Psalms 83:2.
רִֽיב
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:18
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:18
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
16Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.
17Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.
18A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.
19The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. 20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:1 | A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. |
| 2 | Proverbs 26:21 | Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. |
| 3 | Proverbs 29:22 | An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. |
| 4 | Matthew 5:9 | Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. |
| 5 | Proverbs 14:29 | A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 10:4 | If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest. |
| 7 | James 1:19–20 | My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. |
| 8 | Proverbs 16:28 | A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends. |
| 9 | Proverbs 10:12 | Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions. |
| 10 | Proverbs 28:25 | A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. |
Proverbs 15:18 Summary
This verse teaches us that having a quick temper can lead to conflict and arguments, but being patient and taking time to think before reacting can bring peace and calm. Being slow to anger means we think before we speak and act, which can help to resolve disputes and bring people together, as seen in Matthew 5:9 where peacemakers are called blessed. By choosing to be slow to anger, we can create a more peaceful and loving environment around us, as encouraged in Romans 12:18 to live at peace with everyone. This verse reminds us that our reactions and responses have the power to either stir up strife or calm disputes, and we should strive to be people who bring peace and calm to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'hot-tempered' in Proverbs 15:18?
To be hot-tempered means to have a quick and intense anger, often leading to outbursts and conflict, as seen in Ephesians 4:26-27 where we are warned not to let anger control us.
How can being 'slow to anger' calm disputes?
Being slow to anger means taking time to think before reacting, which can help to diffuse tense situations and resolve conflicts peacefully, as encouraged in James 1:19-20 to be quick to listen and slow to speak.
Is it possible to change from being hot-tempered to being slow to anger?
Yes, with the help of God and a willingness to change, it is possible to transform our temper and reactions, as promised in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that in Christ we are a new creation.
What are the consequences of being hot-tempered according to this verse?
According to Proverbs 15:18, a hot-tempered person stirs up strife, leading to conflict and unrest, whereas being slow to anger brings calm and peace, as also seen in Proverbs 22:24-25.
Reflection Questions
- Reflect on a recent situation where you lost your temper - how could you have handled it differently if you were slow to anger?
- What are some common triggers that make you hot-tempered, and how can you prepare yourself to respond differently in the future?
- How can you apply the principle of being slow to anger in your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues?
- What does being slow to anger reveal about a person's character, and how can you cultivate this quality in your own life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife,.... A man of a wrathful disposition, of a furious spirit, of an angry temper; that is under the power and dominion of such a passion, and indulges it, and takes all
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. A wrathful man stirreth up strife - even where there was perfect harmony. He gives occasion to, and takes up hastily any occasion given for strife.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:18
Stirreth up strife, because he is very apt both to give and to take all occasions of contention.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:18
Proverbs 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife.Ver. 18. A wrathful man stirreth up strife.] Miscet lites, he mingleth strife with his meat, and feeds upon chafing dishes. Such troublesome guests Augustine forbade his table by these two verses written round about it - “ Quisquis amat dictis aliorum rodere famam, Hanc mensam vetitam noverit esse sibi.” This is the worst music at meat that may be. But some men maledictis aluntur, ut venenis capreae. David met with such "hypocritical mockers in feasts," that most uncivilly "gnashed upon him with their teeth." Hence much mischief many times ariseth. For, as Basil noteth, ira excitat rixam, vixa parit convicia, convicia ictus, ictus vulnera, et saepe vulnera mors consequitur: Wrath stirs up strife, strife causeth ill words, ill words draw on blows, bloodshed, and loss of life sometimes. But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.] Is as busy to stint strife, as the other to stir it; brings his buckets to quench this unnatural fire between others, and puts up injuries done to himself, as Jonathan did when his father flung a javelin at him - he rose from table and walked into the field. David also, though provoked, yet he "as a deaf man heard not, and was as one dumb, in whose mouth there was no reproof." Such peaceable and peacemaking men are blessed of God and highly esteemed of men, when wranglers are to be shunned as perilous persons. "Make no friendship with an angry man," saith Solomon. And they are not much to be regarded that with every little offensive breath, or disgraceful word, are blown up into rage, that will not be laid down without revenge or reparation to cure their credits.
Possid. in vit.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:18
18. strife … strife] Contention … strife, R.V., to indicate that the Heb. words are different.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:18
18. A wrathful man — Hebrew, a man of wrath. Slow to anger — Long of nostril. (See note on Proverbs 14:17.) Anger makes quarrels; good nature quells them. Compare Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 26:21; Proverbs 28:25; Proverbs 29:22.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Gv on Proverbs by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker warns against the dangers of pride and emphasizes the importance of taking spiritual inventory. He encourages the audience to memorize scripture and use |
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Marriage: Anger, the Great Destroyer by Shane Idleman | This sermon addresses the issues of anger, highlighting how it can be a destructive force in our lives, fueled by selfishness, jealousy, pride, addiction, and guilt. The speaker em |
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Imptaitnce Is a Soul-Destroying, God-Discouraging, and Devil-Begotten Spirit by Milton Haney | Milton Haney preaches about the dangers of impatience, emphasizing that even holy individuals can fall into sin due to impatience, which can lead to a loss of sanctification. He hi |
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Ii Timothy - Part 2 - Proclaim the Gospel by John Stott | In this sermon, Reverend John R. focuses on the importance of preaching the word of God. He emphasizes that our proclamation should be urgent, never losing our sense of urgency in |
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The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a |
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(2006 Conference) 3.controlling Our Tongue by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of controlling our speech and the balance needed in various areas of our lives. It highlights the dangers of being imbalanced, focusing on sma |
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The Healing of the Home by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using a soft answer to turn away wrath and bring healing to the home. He criticizes those who rely on loudness as a badge |