Proverbs 22:19

Authorized King James Version

PDF

That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

Original Language Analysis

לִהְי֣וֹת H1961
לִהְי֣וֹת
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַּ֭יהוָה may be in the LORD H3068
בַּ֭יהוָה may be in the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִבְטַחֶ֑ךָ That thy trust H4009
מִבְטַחֶ֑ךָ That thy trust
Strong's: H4009
Word #: 3 of 7
properly, a refuge, i.e., (objective) security, or (subjective) assurance
הוֹדַעְתִּ֖יךָ I have made known H3045
הוֹדַעְתִּ֖יךָ I have made known
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 4 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
הַיּ֣וֹם to thee this day H3117
הַיּ֣וֹם to thee this day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 5 of 7
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אַף H637
אַף
Strong's: H637
Word #: 6 of 7
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
אָֽתָּה׃ H859
אָֽתָּה׃
Strong's: H859
Word #: 7 of 7
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

Analysis & Commentary

Dwelling alone in the wilderness surpasses living with a contentious, angry wife. The wilderness represents isolation, danger, and hardship—yet even this beats domestic warfare. Constant strife makes a home unbearable. This hyperbole warns men to seek godly wives and warns wives against contentious behavior. The principle applies mutually: either spouse's habitual anger destroys peace. Marriage should be a haven, not a battlefield. Believers must cultivate patience, gentleness, and self-control. The gospel transforms quarrelsome people into peacemakers. Those who have experienced God's patience should show patience toward spouses. Create homes that reflect God's peace, not worldly conflict.

Historical Context

While Israelite men could divorce for various reasons, the ideal was lifelong covenant faithfulness. This proverb doesn't encourage divorce but warns against making marriage unbearable through strife.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics