Proverbs 19:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.

NIV: A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

NASB: A person of great anger will suffer the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.

CSB: A person with intense anger bears the penalty; if you rescue him, you’ll have to do it again.

NLT: Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty. If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again.

KJV: A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

NKJV: A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.

Among the worst consequences of an uncontrolled temper is the tendency to make the same mistakes again and again. Being hot-tempered means lacking in self-control, so a person is liable to make the same foolish choices when put under pressure. Proverbs warns repeatedly about the ways in which one's temper can be dangerous (Proverbs 14:17, 29; 15:18; 17:27; 19:11). That danger extends to others as well; Scripture suggests it's better to avoid those who can't control their emotions (Proverbs 22:24).

Another application of this verse is the idea of learning hard lessons. At times, people need to suffer the natural consequences of their actions. This is especially true of children, who often struggle to mature when perpetually "rescued" from their own mistakes. The verses on either side of this proverb (Proverbs 19:18, 20) speak of the value in discipline and learning. Preventing all negative results, whether on behalf of a child or an adult, tends to encourage them committing the same errors over and over again.

History and modern culture are full of stories about habitual hot heads. Although they were punished for crimes and mistakes, some eventually repeated their mistakes. Of course, some men and women learn from their errors. When they are released from prison, or overcome their other consequences, they sincerely seek a more controlled life.

An angry man who repeatedly gets into trouble cannot blame circumstances or other people for the harm he inflicts on others. His problem doesn't stem from others or from difficult circumstances; it stems from what he is by nature. Jeremiah 17:9 describes the heart as desperately sick. Shallow reformation doesn't change the heart. Only spiritual regeneration—the new birth (John 3:3)—makes all things new (Jeremiah 31:31–33; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Proverbs 19:8–21 continues Solomon's observations about wisdom and foolishness, a king's wrath, household turmoil, and human plans as compared to divine sovereignty. A theme of these proverbs is the danger of ignoring godly wisdom, while placing too much reliance on one's own ability. A wise person is prudent, diligent, and honest. At the same time, wisdom means realizing that not all plans work out.

Several themes are associated with these statements. Among them are the idea that personal integrity is worth much more than earthly wealth or success. Solomon discusses the unfortunate habit of favoring the rich and dismissing the poor, while commending those who care for the unfortunate. Many references are made to the consequences of foolish behavior, including the shame and punishment such things can bring.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.