Proverbs 29:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

An angry {H639} man {H376} stirreth up {H1624} strife {H4066}, and a furious {H2534} man {H1167} aboundeth in {H7227} transgression {H6588}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Angry people stir up strife; hot-tempered people commit many crimes.

Berean Standard Bible

An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.

American Standard Version

An angry man stirreth up strife, And a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 29:22 succinctly warns against the destructive consequences of uncontrolled anger, asserting that a person prone to wrath inevitably instigates conflict and multiplies sinful actions. This proverb highlights a profound spiritual and relational truth: an unchecked temper not only disrupts peace within communities but also leads the individual down a path of increasing moral and spiritual transgression, underscoring the critical need for self-control and wisdom in managing one's emotions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 29:22 is situated within a collection of Solomon's proverbs that were "copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah" [Proverbs 25:1](/proverbs/25-1 "Proverbs 25:1 - Hezekiah's Collection"). This section, spanning from [Proverbs 25](/proverbs/25 "Proverbs 25 - More Proverbs of Solomon") through [Proverbs 29](/proverbs/29 "Proverbs 29 - Wisdom and Folly"), frequently juxtaposes the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, offering practical guidance for daily living, governance, and social interaction. Many proverbs in this cluster address themes of justice, leadership, the consequences of various behaviors, and the importance of self-control, particularly over the tongue and temper. This specific verse serves as a stark warning about the societal and personal decay that results from a lack of emotional discipline, fitting seamlessly into the broader discourse on wisdom's path versus folly's pitfalls.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, wisdom literature like Proverbs served as foundational instruction for ethical living and community harmony. The family, clan, and broader community were tightly knit, making personal conduct directly impactful on collective well-being. Uncontrolled anger, as depicted in this proverb, was not merely a personal failing but a disruptive force that could tear apart social fabric, undermine justice, and lead to feuds. The concept of "strife" (Hebrew: *madon*) often referred to legal disputes, quarrels, and violent altercations that threatened the peace and order of the community. Therefore, the wisdom imparted was not abstract but deeply practical, aiming to cultivate individuals who contributed positively to their families and the nation, reflecting the divine order. The "man" (Hebrew: *ish*) in this context refers to any individual, emphasizing the universal applicability of this truth.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the **destructive nature of unbridled emotions**, particularly anger, portraying it as an active agent of discord rather than a passive feeling. Secondly, it highlights the **principle of cause and effect**, demonstrating that specific internal states (anger, fury) inevitably lead to predictable external outcomes (strife, transgression). This aligns with the broader Deuteronomic theology of blessing and curse, where adherence to wisdom leads to life and folly to destruction. Thirdly, the proverb implicitly champions the theme of **self-control and prudence**, qualities consistently praised throughout Proverbs as hallmarks of wisdom. For instance, [Proverbs 16:32](/proverbs/16-32 "Proverbs 16:32 - Self-Control is Better Than Might") states, "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city," directly contrasting with the "angry man" of [Proverbs 29:22](/proverbs/29-22 "Proverbs 29:22 - The Angry Man"). Finally, it touches on the pervasive theme of **sin and transgression**, revealing how a lack of emotional discipline can quickly escalate into actions that violate God's law and harm others, leading to a multiplication of *pesha'*, or rebellion against divine standards.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angry (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** From H639, properly refers to the "nose or nostril," and by extension, the "face," but idiomatically signifies "ire" or "anger." This connection to the physical manifestation of anger (flared nostrils, flushed face) vividly portrays the intensity and visible nature of this emotion. It suggests a person whose anger is not merely internal but outwardly expressed and often uncontrolled.
* **Stirreth up (Hebrew, _gârâh'_):** From H1624, a primitive root meaning "to grate," but figuratively, "to anger," "contend," "meddle," or "stir up." This verb indicates an active, provocative role. The angry man doesn't just *feel* anger; he *incites* it in others, actively generating conflict and discord through his words and actions.
* **Furious (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** From H2534, meaning "heat," and figuratively, "anger," "poison," "fury," or "wrath." This term denotes a more intense, sustained, and often destructive form of anger than *ʼaph*. It implies a deep-seated rage or a habitual disposition towards hot displeasure, suggesting a person whose default emotional state in challenging situations is one of intense wrath.
* **Strife (Hebrew, _mâdôwn'_):** From H4066, meaning "a contest or quarrel," encompassing "brawling," "contention," and "discord." This word describes the direct outcome of the angry man's actions—a state of conflict, argument, and disunity within relationships or communities. It highlights the relational damage caused by an uncontrolled temper.
* **Transgression (Hebrew, _peshaʻ'_):** From H6588, meaning "a revolt (national, moral or religious)," encompassing "rebellion," "sin," and "trespass." This term signifies a serious breach of moral or divine law. The "furious man" does not merely cause social friction but commits multiple, grave offenses against God and humanity, indicating a deeper spiritual failing rooted in his uncontrolled wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"An angry man stirreth up strife":** This initial clause establishes a direct causal link between an individual's disposition towards anger and the generation of conflict. The "angry man" (one characterized by a quick or strong temper, often expressed outwardly through the "nose" or face) is not a passive recipient of circumstances but an active agent who "stirs up" or incites contention and quarrels. His emotional volatility acts as a catalyst for discord, disrupting peace and harmony wherever he goes.
* **"and a furious man aboundeth in transgression":** The second clause intensifies the warning, presenting an escalation of consequences. The "furious man" (one whose anger is more intense, deep-seated, and habitual, akin to a "master of wrath") is shown to "abound" or multiply in "transgression." This suggests that uncontrolled rage does not stop at mere social friction but leads to a proliferation of serious sins—actions, words, and even attitudes that violate God's commands and harm others. It implies a pattern of moral failure where anger becomes a gateway to greater rebellion against divine and human order.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 29:22 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first half using different but related terms. "An angry man stirreth up strife" is paralleled by "a furious man aboundeth in transgression," with "furious" being a stronger form of "angry" and "aboundeth in transgression" a more severe consequence than merely "stirring up strife." This intensification highlights the escalating danger of unchecked anger. The proverb also uses **Cause and Effect**, clearly linking the internal state of anger and fury to the external outcomes of strife and transgression. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy** or **Idiom** in the Hebrew for "angry man" (*ish 'aph*), literally "man of nose," where the physical manifestation (flared nostrils) stands for the emotion of anger itself, providing a vivid, visceral image for the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 29:22 offers profound theological insights into the nature of human sin, the importance of self-governance, and the divine call to peace. It reveals that anger, when unmanaged, is not merely an emotional inconvenience but a potent force that actively works against God's design for harmonious relationships and righteous living. The multiplication of "transgression" (Hebrew: *pesha'*, implying rebellion) underscores that sinful anger is a direct affront to God's character, who is "slow to anger" [Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - God's Patience and Power") and desires His people to reflect His patience. This proverb aligns with the broader biblical teaching that true wisdom involves not only intellectual understanding but also practical, ethical living that cultivates inner peace and fosters reconciliation.

* [Proverbs 15:18](/proverbs/15-18 "Proverbs 15:18 - Wrath and Strife") echoes this truth: "A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife."
* [James 1:19-20](/james/1-19-20 "James 1:19-20 - Be Quick to Hear, Slow to Anger") warns: "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."
* [Ephesians 4:26-27](/ephesians/4-26-27 "Ephesians 4:26-27 - Anger and the Devil") provides a New Testament imperative: "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 29:22 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to honestly examine our own hearts and the impact of our emotions on those around us. In a world often characterized by quick tempers and escalating conflicts, this proverb calls believers to a higher standard of self-control and spiritual maturity. It challenges the notion that anger is a harmless or justifiable expression, instead revealing its inherent capacity to sow discord and lead to a cascade of sinful actions. True wisdom, as taught here, involves not merely suppressing anger but cultivating a heart that is slow to wrath, choosing patience and understanding over impulsive reactions. This requires a conscious effort to identify the triggers of our anger, to process our emotions in a healthy and godly way, and to seek divine grace to transform our character. By embracing this wisdom, we can become agents of peace rather than purveyors of strife, reflecting God's patient and loving character to a world desperately in need of it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific situations or with what individuals do I find myself most prone to anger, and what are the underlying roots of that anger?**
* **How has my own anger, or the anger of others, "stirred up strife" or led to "transgression" in my relationships or community?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a "slow to anger" spirit, and how can I invite the Holy Spirit to empower this transformation within me?**
* **Beyond avoiding outward expressions of anger, how can I address the internal "fury" that might lead to a multiplication of sinful thoughts or attitudes?**

### FAQ

**Is all anger considered sinful according to the Bible?**

Answer: Not all anger is inherently sinful. The Bible distinguishes between righteous anger and sinful anger. Righteous anger, often called "holy indignation," is a response to injustice, sin, or evil that aligns with God's character and purposes. For example, Jesus displayed righteous anger when He cleansed the temple [John 2:13-17](/john/2-13-17 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple"). However, Proverbs 29:22, along with many other passages, warns against sinful anger, which is characterized by self-centeredness, malice, bitterness, and a desire for vengeance. This type of anger "stirreth up strife" and "aboundeth in transgression," leading to actions that violate God's law and harm others. The key distinction lies in the motivation, object, and outcome of the anger: is it for God's glory and justice, or for selfish gratification and destruction? As [Ephesians 4:26](/ephesians/4-26 "Ephesians 4:26 - Be Angry and Do Not Sin") advises, "Be ye angry, and sin not."

**What is the difference between an "angry man" and a "furious man" in this proverb?**

Answer: The proverb uses two distinct Hebrew terms to describe escalating degrees of anger and its consequences. An "angry man" (*ish 'aph*) refers to someone whose "nose" (a Hebrew idiom for anger, often associated with flaring nostrils) is quick to flare up. This suggests a person prone to quick, perhaps impulsive, outbursts of temper. This individual "stirreth up strife," meaning they instigate quarrels and contention. A "furious man" (*ba'al chemah*), on the other hand, is literally a "master of heat" or "possessor of wrath." This implies a deeper, more ingrained, and habitual disposition toward intense rage or hot displeasure. This "furious man" does not merely cause strife but "aboundeth in transgression," indicating that his uncontrolled rage leads to a multitude of serious sins, a more profound and pervasive moral failing. The proverb thus presents a progression from a tendency to anger to a complete mastery by it, with increasingly severe consequences.

**How can someone overcome a tendency towards sinful anger?**

Answer: Overcoming sinful anger is a process that requires spiritual discipline, self-awareness, and reliance on God's grace. First, it involves **acknowledging the problem** and its destructive nature, as highlighted in [Proverbs 29:22](/proverbs/29-22 "Proverbs 29:22 - The Angry Man"). Second, it requires **identifying triggers and underlying issues**, such as pride, fear, or unresolved hurt. Third, it necessitates **cultivating self-control** and patience, which are fruits of the Holy Spirit [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit"). This can involve practicing silence, counting to ten, or removing oneself from a provoking situation. Fourth, it means **confessing anger as sin** and seeking forgiveness from God and those wronged. Finally, it involves **replacing anger with godly responses** like forgiveness, humility, and love, actively seeking to be a peacemaker rather than a stirrer of strife, as encouraged in [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 29:22, with its stark warning against the destructive power of human anger, finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in Jesus Christ. While the proverb exposes the fallen human tendency to allow wrath to fester into strife and transgression, Christ perfectly embodies the opposite: divine self-control, patience, and peace. He demonstrated righteous indignation against sin and hypocrisy (e.g., [Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12-13 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")), yet He never "stirred up strife" out of personal malice or "abounded in transgression." Instead, when reviled, He did not revile in return [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example"), choosing meekness and humility even unto death on the cross. The Gospel offers the only true remedy for the "furious man" described in this proverb: through faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, empowering them to put off the old self with its anger and wrath [Colossians 3:8](/colossians/3-8 "Colossians 3:8 - Put Off the Old Self") and to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, which includes "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit"). Thus, the wisdom of Proverbs points to the transformative power of Christ, who enables His followers to overcome the destructive cycle of anger and transgression, living instead as agents of reconciliation and peace.

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 15:18

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

Proverbs 17:19

¶ He loveth transgression that loveth strife: [and] he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

Proverbs 26:21

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

Proverbs 10:12

¶ Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Proverbs 14:17

¶ [He that is] soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

Proverbs 22:24

¶ Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

James 3:16

For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.