Strife grows from anger, but patience blesses everyone involved.
An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. (v.22)
Proverbs 29:22, attributed to King Solomon who reigned over Israel from about 971 to 931 BC, warns us of the dangerous outcomes produced by uncontrolled anger and a hot temper. The verse describes how such anger becomes a catalyst for discord, disturbing the peace in communities, families, and friendships. In the ancient Hebrew language, one of the ways to describe anger was connected to the idea of having a “short nose,” indicating a quick-tempered individual, while someone “long of nose” was considered slow to anger, reflecting patience and benevolence (see commentary in Exodus 34:5 and Joel 2:12). This proverb shows that anger quickly “stirs up strife,” signifying it provokes quarrels and other harmful behavior. When people allow anger to overrule self-control, small disputes can escalate into major conflicts, damaging relationships and trust.
When it states that a “hot-tempered man abounds in transgression,” the implication is that an angry person more easily steps outside the boundaries of what is right, causing increased harm not just to others but also to themselves. Anger clouds judgment, making it more likely that someone will say or do something they later regret. In James 1:19-20, we see that followers of God are encouraged to be “slow to anger,” for “the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” Anger, expressed without self-control, destroys harmony rather than restoring it. The self-centered nature of unchecked rage stands in direct opposition to a spirit of love and service toward neighbors (see commentary in James 1:19). Consequently, this verse calls believers to practice restraint, seek to cultivate peace, and remember that patience honors God and blesses those around us.
It also points to the broader biblical principle that while anger itself may not always be sinful—since God can be righteously angry—its common manifestations in human behavior can foster resentment, hostility, and destruction, leading to transgression. Jesus taught His followers to resolve anger even before offering their sacrifices, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24). By applying this wisdom practically, individuals are better able to respond calmly, avoid strife, and act with kindness and understanding.
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Proverbs 29:22 meaning
An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. (v.22)
Proverbs 29:22, attributed to King Solomon who reigned over Israel from about 971 to 931 BC, warns us of the dangerous outcomes produced by uncontrolled anger and a hot temper. The verse describes how such anger becomes a catalyst for discord, disturbing the peace in communities, families, and friendships. In the ancient Hebrew language, one of the ways to describe anger was connected to the idea of having a “short nose,” indicating a quick-tempered individual, while someone “long of nose” was considered slow to anger, reflecting patience and benevolence (see commentary in Exodus 34:5 and Joel 2:12). This proverb shows that anger quickly “stirs up strife,” signifying it provokes quarrels and other harmful behavior. When people allow anger to overrule self-control, small disputes can escalate into major conflicts, damaging relationships and trust.
When it states that a “hot-tempered man abounds in transgression,” the implication is that an angry person more easily steps outside the boundaries of what is right, causing increased harm not just to others but also to themselves. Anger clouds judgment, making it more likely that someone will say or do something they later regret. In James 1:19-20, we see that followers of God are encouraged to be “slow to anger,” for “the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” Anger, expressed without self-control, destroys harmony rather than restoring it. The self-centered nature of unchecked rage stands in direct opposition to a spirit of love and service toward neighbors (see commentary in James 1:19). Consequently, this verse calls believers to practice restraint, seek to cultivate peace, and remember that patience honors God and blesses those around us.
It also points to the broader biblical principle that while anger itself may not always be sinful—since God can be righteously angry—its common manifestations in human behavior can foster resentment, hostility, and destruction, leading to transgression. Jesus taught His followers to resolve anger even before offering their sacrifices, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24). By applying this wisdom practically, individuals are better able to respond calmly, avoid strife, and act with kindness and understanding.