King James Version

What Does Proverbs 27:3 Mean?

Proverbs 27:3 in the King James Version says “A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. heavy: Heb. heaviness — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. heavy: Heb. heaviness

Proverbs 27:3 · KJV


Context

1

Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. to: Heb. to morrow day

2

Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

3

A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. heavy: Heb. heaviness

4

Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? Wrath: Heb. Wrath is cruelty, and anger an overflowing envy: or, jealousy?

5

Open rebuke is better than secret love.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A stone and sand are heavy, but 'a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.' The Hebrew 'kobed' (heavy/weighty) describes burden. A fool's anger creates disproportionate problems exceeding physical weights. Foolish wrath is unreasonable, prolonged, and destructive. Reformed theology recognizes anger's danger—'the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God' (James 1:20). While righteous indignation exists, the fool's rage is sinful, crushing relationships and peace. Wisdom requires controlling anger; folly lets it control you.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Stone and sand were common heavy burdens in construction and agriculture. Everyone understood the exhausting weight of these materials, making them effective metaphors for the crushing burden of dealing with foolish anger.

Reflection Questions

  1. Is your anger controlled and righteous, or foolish and destructive?
  2. How do you experience the 'heavy burden' of others' foolish wrath?
  3. What practices help you avoid foolish anger and cultivate Spirit-controlled responses?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כֹּֽבֶד1 of 8

is heavy

H3514

weight, multitude, vehemence

אֶ֭בֶן2 of 8

A stone

H68

a stone

וְנֵ֣טֶל3 of 8

weighty

H5192

a burden

הַח֑וֹל4 of 8

and the sand

H2344

sand (as round or whirling particles)

וְכַ֥עַס5 of 8

wrath

H3708

vexation

אֱ֝וִ֗יל6 of 8

but a fool's

H191

(figuratively) silly

כָּבֵ֥ד7 of 8

is heavier

H3515

heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)

מִשְּׁנֵיהֶֽם׃8 of 8

than them both

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold


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 27:3 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 27:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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