King James Version

What Does Proverbs 27:4 Mean?

Proverbs 27:4 in the King James Version says “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? Wrath: Heb. Wrath is cruelty, and anger a...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

Proverbs 27:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. deceitful: or, earnest, or, frequent

Read Proverbs 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wrath is cruel, anger is outrageous, but 'who is able to stand before envy?' The Hebrew 'qinah' (envy/jealousy) exceeds even wrath and anger in destructiveness. Envy destroys quietly and relentlessly, harder to confront than open anger. Proverbs 14:30 calls it 'rottenness of the bones.' Reformed theology recognizes envy as violation of the tenth commandment and fruit of covetousness. Envy destroyed Cain, Saul, and the Pharisees. Unlike anger which may pass, envy festers indefinitely, making it peculiarly dangerous.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical history demonstrates envy's destructiveness: Joseph's brothers' envy led to his enslavement (Genesis 37:11), Saul's envy drove him to pursue David murderously (1 Samuel 18:8-9), and religious leaders' envy crucified Christ (Matthew 27:18).

Reflection Questions

  1. Where does envy lurk in your heart toward others' possessions, gifts, or blessings?
  2. How does envy poison your relationships and spiritual life?
  3. What is the relationship between contentment and freedom from envy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אַכְזְרִיּ֣וּת1 of 8

“is cruel”

H395

fierceness

חֵ֭מָה2 of 8

“Wrath”

H2534

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

וְשֶׁ֣טֶף3 of 8

“is outrageous”

H7858

a deluge (literally or figuratively)

אָ֑ף4 of 8

“and anger”

H639

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

וּמִ֥י5 of 8
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יַ֝עֲמֹד6 of 8

“but who is able to stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לִפְנֵ֥י7 of 8

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

קִנְאָֽה׃8 of 8

“envy”

H7068

jealousy or envy

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 27:4 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 27:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 6:34Proverbs 14:30James 3:14-16Acts 7:91 John 3:12Job 5:2

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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