King James Version

What Does Proverbs 15:18 Mean?

Proverbs 15:18 in the King James Version says “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.”

Proverbs 15:18 · KJV

Context

16

Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

17

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

18

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

19

The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. is made: Heb. is raised up as a causey

20

A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

Read Proverbs 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. Ish chema yeggareh madon (אִישׁ חֵמָה יְגָרֶה מָדוֹן, a man of heat stirs up strife). Hot-tempered people provoke (garah, גָּרָה, stir up, provoke) conflict (madon, מָדוֹן, strife, contention). Ve'erekh appayim yashqit riv (וְאֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם יַשְׁקִיט רִיב, but long of nostrils quiets quarrel). Erekh appayim (literally "long of nose") means patient, slow to anger. Such people calm (shaqat, שָׁקַט, quiet, calm, appease) disputes. The proverb teaches that temperament shapes community—patient people make peace, angry people make war.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient societies experienced frequent conflicts over land, water, honor. Hot-tempered individuals escalated minor issues into blood feuds. Patient leaders mediated disputes, preserving community peace. Biblical peacemakers include Abraham with Lot (Genesis 13), Gideon with Ephraimites (Judges 8:1-3), Abigail with David (1 Samuel 25). Jesus blessed peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). James urges slowness to anger (James 1:19-20).

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you typically stirring up or appeasing strife in your relationships and communities?
  2. What situations tend to trigger your anger, and how can you cultivate patience there?
  3. How does the gospel's peace (Christ reconciling enemies to God) empower you to be a peacemaker among people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אִ֣ישׁ1 of 8

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

חֵ֭מָה2 of 8

“A wrathful”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

יְגָרֶ֣ה3 of 8

“stirreth up”

H1624

properly, to grate, i.e., (figuratively) to anger

מָד֑וֹן4 of 8

“strife”

H4066

a contest or quarrel

וְאֶ֥רֶך5 of 8

“but he that is slow”

H750

long

אַ֝פַּ֗יִם6 of 8

“to anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

יַשְׁקִ֥יט7 of 8

“appeaseth”

H8252

to repose (usually figurative)

רִֽיב׃8 of 8

“strife”

H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 15:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 15:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 15:1Proverbs 26:21Proverbs 29:22Matthew 5:9Proverbs 14:29Ecclesiastes 10:4

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