Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:18, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
American Standard Version
A wrathful man stirreth up contention; But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
World English Bible version
A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
Proverbs 15:18 Meaning & Commentary
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. – Proverbs 15:18 (ESV)
When we look at this verse, we see a truth that strife may exist but can remain hidden or undetected. Strife is the Hebrew word “madon,” which means contention or brawling. I am sure we have all ‘felt’ strife at times, not knowing precisely what it is. Sometimes you can walk into a room and pick up a ‘vibe’ or feel something is ‘off’ about the environment.
This verse in Proverbs 15:18 tells us that a hot-tempered man stirs up strife. This can happen in multiple different ways. Firstly, a hot-tempered person can stir up or reveal what is in the hearts of others (IE: strife which is already in their hearts). No one likes to be on the receiving end of a hot-tempered outburst, which will often cause those on the receiving end to retaliate or respond in anger.
Secondly, a hot-tempered person can create strife where there is none. This is why bringing someone with a hot temper into a situation or ‘team dynamic’ is very dangerous. This hot-tempered individual has the potential to bring out the worst in others – not as Jesus did, through righteous living, but through their ungodly actions and behaviors. Even if there was no strife, a hot-tempered person can ‘stir it up’ and cause all sorts of ungodly things to begin to manifest around them.
On the contrary, someone who is slow to anger tends to diffuse volatile situations. As Proverbs 15:18 says, they quiet contention. If you have dealt with an angry person – someone filled with strife- you would have learned that gentleness is the best way to respond to them. There is a saying in the world, “kill them with kindness.” The Bible teaches us to do precisely this: Proverbs 15:1 – A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:18 to our lives?
None of us lives in isolation – whether at work, school, or life in general. We interact with people daily, all kinds of people with different personalities. The chances that we find ourselves in challenging situations that we have to navigate is highly likely! How we carry ourselves and respond to others makes all the difference.
If we are the one who has a short temper, we would have seen firsthand the damage it can cause to ourselves and others around us! We need to trust God for freedom over this, as it is not a fruit of The Spirt: Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Furthermore, if we are in close proximity to a hot-tempered person, we need God’s wisdom and discernment to navigate that relationship.
Not every foolish or hot-tempered person needs to be called out on the behavior, especially if they are unbelievers! It can sometimes do more harm than good: Proverbs 9:8 -Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. As Christians, we should be an example to others in word and deed. The Bible challenges us to live at peace with others, wherever possible: Romans 12:18 – If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
This shows us that it is not always possible, but if it is possible and depends on us – we need to do it! This is the exact opposite of someone who is constantly living in strife. Living this way will have a ‘calming effect’ on the people and situations we find ourselves in. However, this is only achieved when we walk closely with God, and His character is developed in us!
Prayer
Mighty God, I know that Your word calls me to be a peacemaker in this world. Help me to live in a way worthy of the calling of Jesus Christ. I ask for wisdom to navigate every challenging situation I face in life. Give me the words to speak when I need to speak and the discernment to know when to keep quiet. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
