Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יְגָרֶ֣ה
stirreth up
H1624
יְגָרֶ֣ה
stirreth up
Strong's:
H1624
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to grate, i.e., (figuratively) to anger
אַ֝פַּ֗יִם
to anger
H639
אַ֝פַּ֗יִם
to anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
Cross References
Proverbs 26:21As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.Proverbs 15:1A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.Proverbs 29:22An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.Proverbs 14:29He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.Matthew 5:9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.Ecclesiastes 10:4If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.Proverbs 10:12Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.Proverbs 16:28A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.Proverbs 28:25He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.Proverbs 25:15By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Historical Context
Ancient societies experienced frequent conflicts over land, water, honor. Hot-tempered individuals escalated minor issues into blood feuds. Patient leaders mediated disputes, preserving community peace. Biblical peacemakers include Abraham with Lot (Genesis 13), Gideon with Ephraimites (Judges 8:1-3), Abigail with David (1 Samuel 25). Jesus blessed peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). James urges slowness to anger (James 1:19-20).
Questions for Reflection
- Are you typically stirring up or appeasing strife in your relationships and communities?
- What situations tend to trigger your anger, and how can you cultivate patience there?
- How does the gospel's peace (Christ reconciling enemies to God) empower you to be a peacemaker among people?
Analysis & Commentary
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. Ish chema yeggareh madon (אִישׁ חֵמָה יְגָרֶה מָדוֹן, a man of heat stirs up strife). Hot-tempered people provoke (garah, גָּרָה, stir up, provoke) conflict (madon, מָדוֹן, strife, contention). Ve'erekh appayim yashqit riv (וְאֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם יַשְׁקִיט רִיב, but long of nostrils quiets quarrel). Erekh appayim (literally "long of nose") means patient, slow to anger. Such people calm (shaqat, שָׁקַט, quiet, calm, appease) disputes. The proverb teaches that temperament shapes community—patient people make peace, angry people make war.