Proverbs 19:19

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

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}.

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

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

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

Proverbs 19:19 offers a profound insight into the destructive nature of unbridled anger and the futility of repeatedly rescuing someone who refuses to change their ways. This verse serves as a cautionary warning about the inevitable consequences that follow a life dominated by wrath.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is part of the Old Testament's wisdom literature, offering practical advice and moral instruction for daily living. It often contrasts the path of the wise with that of the foolish, highlighting the natural consequences of various behaviors. Proverbs 19 specifically addresses themes of justice, wisdom, diligence, and the dangers of folly and uncontrolled emotions, framing them within a worldview where actions have direct repercussions.

Key Themes

  • The Destructive Nature of Wrath: The verse directly links "great wrath" with "punishment." This isn't necessarily a formal legal penalty, but rather the natural, negative consequences that an explosive temper brings into one's life—damaged relationships, loss of opportunities, social isolation, and personal distress. Uncontrolled anger is portrayed as a self-inflicted wound.
  • The Cycle of Consequences: The latter part of the verse, "for if thou deliver [him], yet thou must do it again," reveals a deeper truth about habitual wrath. It suggests that merely rescuing someone from the immediate fallout of their anger does not address the root problem. The individual's nature is such that they will inevitably fall into similar trouble repeatedly, perpetuating a cycle of negative outcomes and the need for intervention. This echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 26:11, where a fool returns to his folly.
  • The Limits of Intervention: The verse implicitly cautions against enabling destructive behavior. While compassion is important, repeatedly bailing out someone who refuses to learn or change their angry patterns can be counterproductive, hindering their personal growth and perpetuating their suffering.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wrath" here is 'aph (אף), which literally means "nose" or "nostril," but idiomatically refers to anger, often associated with a quick, hot temper, as the nostrils flare in rage. The term "punishment" (ענש - 'anash) implies a penalty or a fine, suggesting that the consequences are a direct and deserved outcome of the behavior, much like a debt that must be paid.

Practical Application

Proverbs 19:19 offers timeless wisdom for personal conduct and interpersonal relationships:

  • Self-Reflection and Control: It calls individuals to examine their own tendencies towards anger. Understanding that wrath leads to inevitable suffering should motivate a pursuit of self-control and patience, as encouraged in Proverbs 14:29, "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding."
  • Wise Help, Not Enabling: For those dealing with angry individuals, the verse advises discernment. While offering support and forgiveness is vital, constantly rescuing someone from the consequences of their unaddressed wrath without genuine change can be an act of enablement rather than true help. It highlights the importance of encouraging personal responsibility and seeking genuine transformation.
  • Understanding Cycles: The verse helps us understand why certain negative patterns persist in people's lives. When the root issue (in this case, uncontrolled anger) is not dealt with, the consequences will recur, regardless of temporary external interventions. True change requires addressing the heart of the matter.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 25:28

    ¶ He that [hath] no rule over his own spirit [is like] a city [that is] broken down, [and] without walls.

  • 1 Samuel 24:17

    And he said to David, Thou [art] more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.

  • 1 Samuel 24:22

    And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.

  • 2 Samuel 16:5

    ¶ And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name [was] Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

  • 2 Samuel 16:6

    And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men [were] on his right hand and on his left.

  • Proverbs 29:22

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

  • 1 Samuel 22:7

    Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, [and] make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;
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