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

PROVERBS 15:18KJV
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Proverbs 15:18 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 15:18 mean?

Proverbs 15:18 teaches that a person who is quick to anger causes conflict, while someone who is patient and slow to become angry helps calm situations and reduce arguments. The verse highlights the difference between stirring up trouble and making peace, based on how a person handles their temper.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings attributed to Solomon, directed to anyone seeking wisdom for daily life. The verse uses a contrast to show how different attitudes toward anger can either escalate or settle disputes. It encourages the reader to notice the real impact that personal reactions have on relationships and community peace.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 15:18

  • The word for "wrathful" is חֵמָה (chemah), which often means intense anger or rage. This word points to a person whose temper is not just mild irritation but a strong, burning anger that easily boils over.
  • "Slow to anger" uses the word אָרֵךְ (arek), meaning long or patient. In this context, it describes someone who takes a long time to get angry, showing self-control and restraint.
  • The word for "appeaseth" is שָׁקַט (shaqat), which means to quiet, calm, or bring to rest. This word suggests not just avoiding conflict, but actively working to bring peace and settle disputes.

Why Proverbs 15:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that anger is not just a private feeling but has real effects on the people and situations around us, either making things worse or better.
  • Proverbs 15:18 stands out in the wider passage by showing that wisdom is not only about what we know, but also about how we manage our emotions, especially anger.
  • The proverb helps correct the common idea that anger is always justified or harmless, emphasizing instead the value of patience and the power of a calm response.

Where else these words appear

“up” Hebrew H1624 · used in 13 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:5 Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession.
  • 2 Kings 14:10 Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
  • Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

“slow” Hebrew H750 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
  • Psalms 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
  • Jeremiah 15:15 O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.

“strife” Hebrew H4066 · used in 18 verses

  • Psalms 80:6 Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.
  • Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
  • Proverbs 26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

“appeaseth” Hebrew H8252 · used in 41 verses

  • Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
  • 2 Chronicles 14:6 And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.
  • Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.