Proverbs 19:19

KJV

¶ A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver [him], yet thou must do it again.

KJV (with Strong's)

A man {H1419} of great {H1632} wrath {H2534} shall suffer {H5375} punishment {H6066}: for if thou deliver {H5337} him, yet thou must do it again {H3254}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A violent-tempered person will be punished; if you try to save him from it, you make things worse.

Berean Standard Bible

A man of great anger must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do so again.

American Standard Version

A man of great wrath shall bear the penalty; For if thou deliver him, thou must do it yet again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 19:19 profoundly illustrates the destructive and self-perpetuating nature of unbridled anger, asserting that an individual consumed by wrath will inevitably suffer negative consequences. The proverb further highlights the futility of repeatedly rescuing such a person from the fallout of their actions, as their unchanged character will lead them back into similar predicaments, creating a cycle of recurring trouble and the need for further intervention. It serves as a stark warning against the indulgence of a quick temper and a call for discerning wisdom in dealing with those trapped in its destructive patterns.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 19 resides within the broader collection of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, specifically within the "Solomonic" proverbs (chapters 10-22). This book is characterized by its concise, often antithetical, statements that offer practical guidance for living a life aligned with divine wisdom. Proverbs frequently contrasts the path of the wise with that of the foolish, demonstrating the natural and often inevitable consequences that flow from one's choices and character. Chapter 19, in particular, touches upon themes of justice, diligence, integrity, and the dangers of folly, poverty, and uncontrolled emotions, framing them within a worldview where actions have direct repercussions from God and in the natural order. This verse functions as a standalone aphorism, yet it resonates deeply with the chapter's overarching emphasis on the importance of self-control and the perils of its absence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many ancient Near Eastern cultures, placed a high value on social harmony and communal well-being. Uncontrolled anger, particularly "great wrath," would have been seen as highly disruptive to this social fabric. Such behavior could lead to feuds, legal disputes, social ostracism, and economic ruin. The concept of "punishment" (Hebrew: _ʻônesh_) was understood not only as formal legal penalties but also as the natural, societal, and even divine consequences that accrue from actions contrary to wisdom and righteousness. The idea of repeatedly "delivering" someone speaks to the communal responsibility to help, but also to the recognition that such help can be exhausted or rendered ineffective if the underlying character flaw remains unaddressed. Wisdom literature often served as a guide for navigating such social complexities, emphasizing personal responsibility and the long-term impact of one's character.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 19:19 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the **destructive nature of folly and uncontrolled passions**, particularly anger. The proverb directly links wrath to suffering, illustrating how internal character flaws inevitably manifest in external negative consequences. This aligns with warnings against other forms of folly, such as laziness or dishonesty, which also lead to ruin (e.g., [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6-11 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - The Sluggard and the Ant")). Secondly, it highlights the **principle of sowing and reaping**, where actions (or character traits) produce predictable outcomes. The "punishment" is not necessarily an arbitrary divine decree but the natural outworking of a life dominated by wrath. This echoes themes found in passages like [Proverbs 22:8](/proverbs/22-8 "Proverbs 22:8 - He Who Sows Iniquity Will Reap Calamity"). Finally, the latter part of the verse addresses the **limits of human intervention and the necessity of internal change**. It suggests that external rescues are futile if the heart remains unchanged, emphasizing that true transformation must come from within, a concept explored further in the book's call to seek wisdom diligently (e.g., [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom Is the Principal Thing")). The cycle described here is reminiscent of [Proverbs 26:11](/proverbs/26-11 "Proverbs 26:11 - A Fool Returns to His Folly"), where a fool repeatedly returns to their foolish ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_ H2534):** This term, derived from a root meaning "heat," denotes intense, burning anger, often associated with a furious temper or rage. It can also figuratively refer to "poison," highlighting the destructive and corrupting nature of such unbridled emotion, which can consume both the individual and those around them. The "great wrath" in the proverb implies an habitual, overwhelming, and perhaps explosive, expression of anger that dominates a person's character.
* **Punishment (Hebrew, _ʻônesh'_ H6066):** This word signifies a "fine," "penalty," or "tribute." It implies a deserved consequence, a payment or suffering that is the direct and appropriate outcome of one's actions. In the context of Proverbs, this "punishment" is often the natural, inevitable, and sometimes societal, repercussions of foolish behavior, rather than solely a formal legal sentence. It suggests that wrath incurs a significant cost that must be paid.
* **Do it again (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_ H3254):** This primitive root means "to add or augment," and often functions adverbially to mean "to continue to do a thing" or "again." Its use here emphasizes the repetitive and cyclical nature of the problem. It highlights that unless the root cause (the "great wrath") is addressed, the pattern of destructive behavior and the subsequent need for rescue will simply repeat, leading to a perpetual cycle of trouble.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment":** This clause establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The subject is not merely someone who occasionally gets angry, but a "man of great wrath," implying a character defined by intense, habitual anger. Such a person is destined to "suffer punishment," meaning they will inevitably experience negative consequences, whether in their relationships, reputation, finances, or personal well-being. This punishment is the natural outcome of their uncontrolled passion, a just recompense for their destructive behavior.
* **"for if thou deliver [him], yet thou must do it again":** This second clause explains _why_ the man of wrath suffers punishment repeatedly and highlights the futility of external, superficial interventions. It speaks to a compassionate individual who might attempt to "deliver" or rescue the angry person from the immediate fallout of their rage. However, the proverb asserts that such rescue is only temporary; because the internal disposition ("great wrath") remains unchanged, the individual will inevitably fall into similar trouble again, requiring repeated intervention. This reveals the cyclical nature of unaddressed character flaws and the limits of merely alleviating symptoms without curing the disease.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 19:19 employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound truth. It functions as an **Aphorism**, a concise and memorable statement of a general truth, designed to be easily recalled and applied. The verse clearly demonstrates **Cause and Effect**, directly linking "great wrath" to "punishment" and the act of "delivering" to the necessity of "doing it again," thereby illustrating the predictable consequences of character and action. There is an element of **Irony** in the second clause: the very act of trying to help (delivering) is shown to be ultimately unproductive and even perpetuating of the problem if the underlying issue of wrath is not addressed. Finally, the phrase "great wrath" and the implication of endless repetition ("do it again") can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and persistent nature of the problem and its consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb speaks to the theological truth that character shapes destiny, and that God's moral order ensures that destructive behaviors, particularly unbridled anger, yield negative consequences. It underscores the self-inflicted nature of much human suffering, revealing that sin, in its essence, is often its own punishment. While God is merciful, His justice is also inherent in the fabric of creation, ensuring that actions have repercussions. The proverb challenges us to recognize that true help involves more than just alleviating immediate crises; it requires addressing the heart's condition, which only God can truly transform. It implicitly calls for a reliance on divine wisdom and grace to overcome such deeply ingrained destructive patterns.

* [Proverbs 14:29](/proverbs/14-29 "Proverbs 14:29 - Slow to Wrath") - "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly."
* [James 1:19-20](/james/1-19-20 "James 1:19-20 - Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, Slow to Anger") - "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping") - "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 19:19 serves as a potent mirror for self-examination and a guide for wise engagement with others. For individuals, it's a stark reminder that unaddressed anger is a self-inflicted wound, leading to a cycle of pain and disruption. True wisdom involves recognizing the destructive power of wrath and actively seeking to cultivate patience, self-control, and a gentle spirit. This requires honest introspection into the roots of one's anger and a willingness to surrender such passions to God for transformation. For those interacting with individuals consumed by wrath, the proverb offers a sobering caution against enabling. While compassion and support are vital, repeatedly rescuing someone from the consequences of their unaddressed anger without encouraging genuine change can inadvertently perpetuate their destructive cycle. It calls for a discerning love that seeks not just temporary relief, but lasting transformation, even if that means allowing natural consequences to prompt a deeper reckoning.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I see "great wrath" manifesting, and what "punishment" or negative consequences have I experienced as a result?**
* **How have I, or others, attempted to "deliver" someone from the consequences of their anger, and did it lead to lasting change or merely a repeat of the cycle?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of patience and self-control, rather than succumbing to wrath?**
* **How can I offer truly helpful support to someone struggling with anger, without enabling their destructive patterns?**

### FAQ
**Does "punishment" in this verse always refer to a formal legal penalty or divine judgment?**

Answer: Not exclusively. While the Hebrew word _ʻônesh_ (H6066) can denote a fine or penalty, in the context of Proverbs, "punishment" often encompasses the natural, inevitable consequences that flow from one's actions and character. For a "man of great wrath," this "punishment" can manifest as damaged relationships, social isolation, loss of opportunities, personal distress, and a general lack of peace. It reflects the inherent moral order of the universe, where foolish and destructive behavior naturally incurs negative outcomes, aligning with the principle of sowing and reaping found throughout wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - They Shall Eat the Fruit of Their Own Way")). While God's judgment is ultimate, many of the consequences described in Proverbs are the direct, self-inflicted results of choices.

**Does this proverb suggest that we should never help someone who struggles with recurring anger?**

Answer: No, the proverb does not advocate for abandoning those who struggle. Instead, it offers a realistic assessment of the effectiveness of certain types of help. The phrase "if thou deliver [him], yet thou must do it again" highlights the futility of merely bailing someone out of immediate trouble without addressing the root cause of their anger. True help, according to the spirit of Proverbs, involves encouraging genuine transformation of character, fostering personal responsibility, and guiding the individual towards wisdom and self-control. It suggests that intervention should aim for lasting change, not just temporary relief from consequences. Compassion is important, but it must be coupled with wisdom to avoid enabling destructive cycles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 19:19, with its stark portrayal of wrath's destructive cycle, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate antithesis to the "man of great wrath." His life was marked by perfect self-control, patience, and unwavering love, even in the face of immense provocation and injustice. He never succumbed to the destructive "heat" of _chêmâh_, but rather embodied the fruit of the Spirit, including patience and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")). He bore the wrath of God against sin on the cross, taking upon Himself the ultimate "punishment" that humanity deserved ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")), so that those who believe in Him might be delivered from the eternal consequences of their own sin and the cycles of self-destruction. Secondly, the proverb's lament about repeatedly having to "deliver" someone highlights humanity's inability to break free from the cycle of sin and its consequences through mere external intervention or human effort. This futility points to our desperate need for a divine deliverer. Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice and the power of the Holy Spirit, offers not just temporary rescue from the fallout of our wrath, but a radical transformation of the heart. He doesn't just deliver us from punishment; He empowers us to become new creations, capable of overcoming the very "great wrath" that once defined us ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Through faith in Him, we receive the Holy Spirit, who enables us to walk in self-control and righteousness, breaking the repetitive cycle of sin and its consequences, and allowing us to live a life no longer dominated by destructive passions but by the peace and wisdom of God ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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.