Anger, when left unchecked, inevitably leads to conflict.
Proverbs 30 is attributed to Agur, the son of Jakeh, who likely composed his sayings sometime around the reign of King Solomon in the 10th century BC. Toward the end of this chapter, he offers a vivid example of cause and effect, explaining the inevitability of certain outcomes. He writes: “For the churning of milk produces butter, And pressing the nose brings forth blood; So the churning of anger produces strife” (v.33). By using analogies such as making butter through constant stirring, or provoking a nosebleed by persistent pressure, Agur highlights the certainty that continually fueling anger will generate conflict.
The first part of the verse, “For the churning of milk produces butter” (v.33), depicts how a small action, repeated over time, transforms milk into a different substance. In the same way, if we keep stoking our frustrations, they form into something more tangible and potentially destructive. The second illustration, “And pressing the nose brings forth blood” (v.33), reminds us that even delicate parts of our bodies will respond with pain and damage when assaulted repeatedly. These two images point to how anger—if agitated or nurtured—has predictable, harmful results.
In the final portion, “So the churning of anger produces strife” (v.33), Agur relates the idea of continual provocation to the reality of growing discord. The New Testament counsel to put aside bitterness and maintain unity (Ephesians 4:31-32) echoes this proverb. Believers are urged to transform their negative feelings into patient understanding, following Jesus’ teaching of peacemaking and reconciliation (Matthew 5:9). By resisting the churning of anger, we can guard our relationships and honor God’s design for peaceful living.
Set to dark mode
Proverbs 30:33 meaning
Proverbs 30 is attributed to Agur, the son of Jakeh, who likely composed his sayings sometime around the reign of King Solomon in the 10th century BC. Toward the end of this chapter, he offers a vivid example of cause and effect, explaining the inevitability of certain outcomes. He writes: “For the churning of milk produces butter, And pressing the nose brings forth blood; So the churning of anger produces strife” (v.33). By using analogies such as making butter through constant stirring, or provoking a nosebleed by persistent pressure, Agur highlights the certainty that continually fueling anger will generate conflict.
The first part of the verse, “For the churning of milk produces butter” (v.33), depicts how a small action, repeated over time, transforms milk into a different substance. In the same way, if we keep stoking our frustrations, they form into something more tangible and potentially destructive. The second illustration, “And pressing the nose brings forth blood” (v.33), reminds us that even delicate parts of our bodies will respond with pain and damage when assaulted repeatedly. These two images point to how anger—if agitated or nurtured—has predictable, harmful results.
In the final portion, “So the churning of anger produces strife” (v.33), Agur relates the idea of continual provocation to the reality of growing discord. The New Testament counsel to put aside bitterness and maintain unity (Ephesians 4:31-32) echoes this proverb. Believers are urged to transform their negative feelings into patient understanding, following Jesus’ teaching of peacemaking and reconciliation (Matthew 5:9). By resisting the churning of anger, we can guard our relationships and honor God’s design for peaceful living.