Proverbs 29:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.

NIV: An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.

NASB: An angry person stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered person abounds in wrongdoing.

CSB: An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered one increases rebellion.

NLT: An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.

KJV: An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

NKJV: An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.

This verse returns to the crucial danger posed by a hot temper (Proverbs 14:17; 19:19; 25:28). Uncontrolled tempers cause trouble no matter what the situation. A hot-headed church member stirs up strife in business meetings and conversations (Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10). The hot-tempered dictator fans hostility with other nations, and his own citizens (Proverbs 28:12). The person who acts in anger, without restraint, risks a sudden and tragic fate (Proverbs 29:20).

Perhaps Diotrephes, who opposed the apostle John, was hot-headed. His attitude seems consistent with a person acting in anger, not reason (3 John 1:9–10). Slander and division are associated with uncontrolled tempers: Diotrephes spoke lies about John and excommunicated those who disagreed with him. King Saul's uncontrolled wrath is seen in his attempts to kill David. On at least two occasions, he impulsively threw a spear at David (1 Samuel 18:11; 19:10). Despite realizing his feud with David was senseless (1 Samuel 24:16–21), Saul returned to hunting David out of irrational anger (1 Samuel 24:2; 26:1–25).

Proverbs 29:12–27 completes the collection of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 25:21). This passage discusses various relationships. Common themes are interactions with government leaders, parental discipline, and authority figures. Solomon also makes comments about pride and the inherent conflict between righteousness and evil.

Much of this passage refers to negative consequences of unwise attitudes or behavior: stubbornness leads to brokenness. Lack of self-control brings shame. Ignorant, ungodly rulers spread sin and corruption. Pride leads to humiliation. Most of these statements follow the two-part pattern established elsewhere in the book of Proverbs. The final lesson summarizes the deep difference between those who are godly and those who pursue their own desires.

This concludes the collection of Solomon's proverbs which King Hezekiah's men collected (Proverbs 25:1). Like previous passages, chapter 29 contrasts wisdom and folly, the benefits of heeding God's law and the devastating consequences of disobeying it, and the blessings of righteousness compared to the curses of sin.

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.

Accessed 5/7/2024 11:56:29 AM