Proverbs 15:18

KJV

¶ A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife.

KJV (with Strong's)

A wrathful {H2534} man {H376} stirreth up {H1624} strife {H4066}: but he that is slow {H750} to anger {H639} appeaseth {H8252} strife {H7379}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hot-tempered people stir up strife, but patient people quiet quarrels.

Berean Standard Bible

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.

American Standard Version

A wrathful man stirreth up contention; But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 15:18 profoundly illustrates the contrasting outcomes of two distinct temperaments: the quick-tempered and the patient. It reveals that an individual prone to anger inevitably ignites conflict and discord, disrupting peace and harmony. Conversely, the one who exercises self-control and patience acts as a calming agent, actively de-escalating tensions and fostering an environment of tranquility. This proverb serves as a foundational principle for cultivating healthy relationships and promoting societal well-being through emotional discipline.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 15:18 is situated within a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 10:1–22:16), which are primarily antithetical in nature, presenting contrasting truths to highlight the path of wisdom versus folly. This particular verse fits seamlessly into a section of Proverbs that frequently addresses the power of speech, the management of emotions, and the impact of one's character on interpersonal relationships. Chapters 15 and 16, for instance, repeatedly emphasize the importance of a gentle answer (e.g., [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath")), the dangers of pride, and the value of humility and self-control. The immediate verses preceding and following Proverbs 15:18 continue this focus on the heart's disposition and its outward manifestations, reinforcing the idea that internal character dictates external conduct and its consequences.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many traditional cultures, placed a high value on community harmony and social order. Disruptions caused by uncontrolled anger or contentious behavior were seen as threats to the fabric of family and tribal life. The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, served as practical instruction for young men and women, guiding them in ethical living within this communal framework. The concept of "anger" (Hebrew: `ʼaph`, often associated with the nose or nostrils flaring in rage) was well understood, as was the virtue of "longsuffering" or "slow to anger" (`ʼarek ʼappayim`), which was even attributed to God Himself (e.g., [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Compassionate Character")). This cultural backdrop underscores the practical necessity of the proverb's advice for maintaining peace and avoiding the destructive cycle of feuds and disputes.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **consequences of character**, showing how one's inner disposition directly shapes their external reality and relationships. The "wrathful man" embodies folly, while the "slow to anger" person exemplifies wisdom. Secondly, it highlights the **power of emotional regulation**, emphasizing that self-control over one's temper is not merely a personal virtue but a powerful force for social good, preventing strife and promoting peace. This theme is echoed throughout the book, as seen in [Proverbs 16:32](/proverbs/16-32 "Proverbs 16:32 - Self-Control is Greater than Conquest"). Thirdly, the proverb underscores the **value of peace and harmony** within the community. It positions the patient individual as a peacemaker, actively working to de-escalate conflict, aligning with the broader biblical call to seek peace and pursue it (e.g., [Psalm 34:14](/psalm/34-14 "Psalm 34:14 - Seek Peace and Pursue It")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wrathful (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "heat," this word vividly describes an intense, burning anger or fury. It implies a passionate, often uncontrolled, outburst of emotion that can be destructive, akin to a fever or poison. When applied to a "man," it characterizes someone whose default emotional state is one of readiness to explode, easily inflamed and quick to express violent displeasure.
* **Stirreth up (Hebrew, _gârâh'_):** This primitive root literally means "to grate" or "to scrape," but figuratively, it conveys the idea of provoking, contending, or actively inciting. The "wrathful man" doesn't just *have* anger; he *uses* it to actively agitate, irritate, and initiate conflict, making him a catalyst for discord rather than a passive recipient of circumstances.
* **Slow (Hebrew, _ʼârêk'_):** Meaning "long" or "patient," this word is crucial in the Hebrew idiom "slow to anger" (`ʼarek ʼappayim`, literally "long of nostrils" or "long of face"). It describes someone who has a long fuse, who is not easily provoked, and who possesses forbearance. This person allows time for careful consideration and response, rather than reacting impulsively out of emotion, thereby demonstrating a profound capacity for self-restraint and wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A wrathful man stirreth up strife:"** This clause paints a clear picture of cause and effect. The individual characterized by `chêmâh` (wrath) actively `gârâh` (stirs up) `mâdôwn` (contention or quarrel). Their quick temper and inability to control their emotions are not merely internal states but external forces that ignite arguments, escalate disagreements, and disrupt peace. This highlights the destructive power of uncontrolled anger, showing it to be an active agent in creating discord.
* **"but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife."** This second clause offers a sharp contrast and a hopeful alternative. The person who is `ʼârêk ʼaph` (slow to anger, patient) demonstrates the opposite effect. Instead of stirring up conflict, they `shâqaṭ` (appease or quiet) `rîyb` (strife or contention). Their patience, self-control, and measured response act as a calming influence, defusing tense situations, preventing escalation, and actively working to restore harmony and peace. This underscores the peacemaking power of a disciplined temperament.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 15:18 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This structure, common throughout Proverbs, presents two contrasting ideas or statements that illuminate each other by their opposition. Here, the "wrathful man" and "he that is slow to anger" are set in direct opposition, with their respective actions ("stirreth up strife" vs. "appeaseth strife") providing a clear moral and practical lesson. This stark contrast effectively highlights the destructive nature of uncontrolled anger and the beneficial power of patience. Additionally, there is an element of **Personification** in how "strife" is depicted as something that can be "stirred up" or "appeased," giving it an active presence that responds to human temperament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 15:18 speaks to the core biblical truth that character profoundly impacts relationships and spiritual well-being. The call to be "slow to anger" is not merely a practical piece of advice but a reflection of God's own character, who is frequently described as "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" (e.g., [Psalm 103:8](/psalm/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - God's Compassion and Patience")). This proverb, therefore, invites believers to emulate divine patience, recognizing that a controlled spirit is a mark of wisdom and godliness. It underscores the theological principle that true wisdom leads to peace, while folly leads to chaos, aligning human behavior with the divine order. The ability to manage one's anger is presented as a spiritual discipline that contributes to the flourishing of both the individual and the community, reflecting God's desire for harmony among His people.

* [Proverbs 14:29](/proverbs/14-29 "Proverbs 14:29 - Wisdom of Being Slow to Wrath")
* [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Be Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak, Slow to Anger")
* [Ephesians 4:26](/ephesians/4-26 "Ephesians 4:26 - Do Not Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 15:18 offers timeless wisdom that is profoundly relevant for navigating the complexities of modern life and fostering healthy relationships. It challenges us to look inward and honestly assess our own default responses to frustration, disagreement, and perceived offenses. Do we tend to react impulsively, allowing anger to dictate our words and actions, thereby igniting or escalating conflict? Or do we consciously choose the path of patience, seeking to understand, to de-escalate, and to bring calm to volatile situations? Cultivating a "slow to anger" disposition requires intentional practice of self-awareness, empathy, and self-control. It means pausing before reacting, considering the long-term consequences of our words, and prioritizing peace over winning an argument. Embracing this proverb's wisdom transforms us from agents of discord into instruments of peace, enabling us to build stronger families, more harmonious workplaces, and more compassionate communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific situations do I find myself most prone to anger, and how do my reactions typically impact those around me?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a "slow to anger" response when faced with frustrating circumstances?**
* **How can I actively be a peacemaker in my relationships, seeking to appease strife rather than stir it up?**

### FAQ

**What does "slow to anger" mean in a practical sense?**
Answer: Practically, "slow to anger" (Hebrew: `ʼarek ʼappayim`) means having a long fuse or great patience. It implies a deliberate pause before responding to provocation, allowing time for rational thought and self-control to override impulsive emotional reactions. It's about exercising forbearance, choosing to overlook minor offenses, and seeking understanding or reconciliation rather than immediate retaliation or escalation. This quality is often contrasted with being "quick-tempered" or "short-fused," which leads to immediate and often destructive outbursts. The Bible often attributes this quality to God Himself, indicating it's a divine virtue we are called to emulate, as seen in [Numbers 14:18](/numbers/14-18 "Numbers 14:18 - The Lord is Slow to Anger").

**How does this proverb relate to the concept of righteous anger?**
Answer: Proverbs 15:18 primarily addresses destructive, self-serving anger that "stirreth up strife." While the Bible acknowledges a concept of "righteous anger" (e.g., Jesus' anger at the money-changers in [John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")), this is distinct from the wrathful man's temperament described here. Righteous anger is typically directed at injustice, sin, or blasphemy, is controlled, short-lived, and aims at restoration or correction, not personal vengeance or chaos. The anger condemned in Proverbs 15:18 is that which is uncontrolled, self-centered, and leads to unnecessary conflict and division. [Ephesians 4:26](/ephesians/4-26 "Ephesians 4:26 - Do Not Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger") provides a New Testament perspective, acknowledging that anger may arise but must be managed righteously and not allowed to fester.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 15:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ. While the proverb contrasts the wrathful man with the patient, Jesus perfectly models the latter, demonstrating divine patience and self-control even in the face of extreme provocation. He was "slow to anger" in the truest sense, never reacting impulsively or stirring up strife for personal gain. Instead, when reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten (as described in [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering Patiently")). His life was a continuous act of appeasing strife—not by avoiding conflict with sin, but by absorbing its full force on the cross, thereby making peace between God and humanity (as seen in [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Making Peace Through the Blood of His Cross")). Through His sacrifice, He appeased the ultimate wrath of God against sin, becoming our peace (as taught in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, given to believers, empowers them to manifest the fruit of the Spirit, which includes "patience" and "self-control" (as listed in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), transforming wrathful hearts into instruments of peace, just as Christ Himself was.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 26:21

[As] coals [are] to burning coals, and wood to fire; so [is] a contentious man to kindle strife.

Proverbs 15:1

¶ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Proverbs 14:29

¶ [He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding: but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Proverbs 29:22

¶ An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

Matthew 5:9

Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Ecclesiastes 10:4

¶ If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

James 1:19

¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: