Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
Original Language Analysis
אָ֑ף
and anger
H639
אָ֑ף
and anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וּמִ֥י
H4310
וּמִ֥י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
5 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יַ֝עֲמֹד
but who is able to stand
H5975
יַ֝עֲמֹד
but who is able to stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
6 of 8
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
Cross References
Proverbs 6:34For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.Proverbs 14:30A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.Acts 7:9And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,Job 5:2For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.Matthew 27:18For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
Historical Context
Biblical history demonstrates envy's destructiveness: Joseph's brothers' envy led to his enslavement (Genesis 37:11), Saul's envy drove him to pursue David murderously (1 Samuel 18:8-9), and religious leaders' envy crucified Christ (Matthew 27:18).
Questions for Reflection
- Where does envy lurk in your heart toward others' possessions, gifts, or blessings?
- How does envy poison your relationships and spiritual life?
- What is the relationship between contentment and freedom from envy?
Analysis & Commentary
Wrath is cruel, anger is outrageous, but 'who is able to stand before envy?' The Hebrew 'qinah' (envy/jealousy) exceeds even wrath and anger in destructiveness. Envy destroys quietly and relentlessly, harder to confront than open anger. Proverbs 14:30 calls it 'rottenness of the bones.' Reformed theology recognizes envy as violation of the tenth commandment and fruit of covetousness. Envy destroyed Cain, Saul, and the Pharisees. Unlike anger which may pass, envy festers indefinitely, making it peculiarly dangerous.