A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 15:18
What does Proverbs 15:18 mean?
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Proverbs 15:18
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It's easy to focus on the actions of the hot-tempered person, but notice that the verse highlights the outcome of their anger: they "stir up strife." On the flip side, the one who is slow to anger doesn't just avoid conflict; they actively "quiet contention," essentially putting out fires that others start.
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The book of Proverbs often contrasts destructive behavior with wise choices, and this verse continues that pattern. Just before, it highlighted the value of humility over pride, and this verse focuses on how one's temper impacts relationships. It sets up the following verses, which will explore how to gain wisdom through correction and listening to wise counsel.
Ever seen a small disagreement blow up into a huge fight? The Bible says a lot about how our anger acts like a spark.
The verse calls a hot-tempered person a 'wrathful man.' Think of a wildfire – uncontrolled and destructive. This isn't just about losing your temper occasionally; it's about a disposition, a readiness to flare up. Such anger doesn't just affect you; it spills over, 'stirring up strife.' It creates chaos, division, and conflict wherever it goes, impacting families, friendships, and even communities. It's like throwing gasoline on a smoldering ember.
What's the opposite of a wildfire? A calm, quenching rain. This verse shows how patience can do that for conflict.
The second part of the verse presents a powerful contrast: 'he who is slow to anger quiets contention.' This 'slow to anger' person, often described as 'longsuffering' or 'patient,' has a unique ability to de-escalate situations. Instead of fanning the flames, they act like a soothing balm. By controlling their own impulses and refusing to be provoked, they can calm disputes and bring peace. It takes incredible strength and self-control, but the result is the quietening of quarrels.
Understand the original words
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chemah · Hebrew Noun
A person prone to quick, explosive anger or wrath. It describes a lack of self-control and often results in social, relational, or spiritual damage.
madon · Hebrew Noun
Conflict, disagreement, or an argument between people. It is often the result of sin or foolish behavior and stands in opposition to the peace and unity God desires for His people.
erek appayim · Hebrew Adjective/Noun phrase
Possessing the ability to restrain one's temper, demonstrating patience and long-suffering. It is a sign of moral maturity and wisdom, contrasting with those who react impulsively.
This passage echoes Proverbs by urging believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, directly connecting to the wisdom of managing one's temper to avoid strife.
Galatians 5:22-23The 'fruit of the Spirit' includes self-control and gentleness, which are the very qualities that allow someone to be slow to anger and thus 'quie[t] contention,' as Proverbs states.
Proverbs 29:22This verse is a near-identical parallel, directly stating 'A man of quick temper stirs up strife, and one who is prone to anger causes strife to arise,' reinforcing the core message of Proverbs 15:18.
Ephesians 4:2-3This passage calls believers to live with humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love, which are the practical outworkings of being 'slow to anger' and essential for maintaining peace.
Proverbs 14:29This verse directly links being 'slow to anger' with having 'great understanding,' highlighting that the wisdom of Proverbs 15:18 is rooted in genuine insight, not just outward behavior.
pulpitProverbs 15:18: "A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife."
Verse 18. - A wrathful man stirreth up strife (contention). This clause recurs almost identically in Proverbs 29:22 (comp. also Proverbs 26:21 and Proverbs 28:25). He that is slow to anger appeaseth strife (Proverbs 14:29). In the former clause the word for "contention" is madon, in the latter "strife" is rib, which often means "law dispute." It requires two to make a quarrel, and where one keeps…
gillProverbs 15:18: "A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife."
A wrathful man stirreth up strife,.... A man of a wrathful disposition, of a furious spirit, of an angry temper; that is under the power and dominion of such a passion, and indulges it, and takes all opportunities to gratify it; he stirs up strife and contention where there was none, or where it was laid; as a man stirs up coals of fire and raises a flame; see Proverbs 26:21 . He stirs up strife…
It's easy to focus on the actions of the hot-tempered person, but notice that the verse highlights the outcome of their anger: they "stir up strife." On the flip side, the one who is slow to anger doesn't just avoid conflict; they actively "quiet contention," essentially putting out fires that others start.
The book of Proverbs often contrasts destructive behavior with wise choices, and this verse continues that pattern. Just before, it highlighted the value of humility over pride, and this verse focuses on how one's temper impacts relationships. It sets up the following verses, which will explore how to gain wisdom through correction and listening to wise counsel.
The book of Proverbs often contrasts destructive behavior with wise choices, and this verse continues that pattern. Just before, it highlighted the value of humility over pride, and this verse focuses on how one's temper impacts relationships. It sets up the following verses, which will explore how to gain wisdom through correction and listening to wise counsel.
"A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention." — It's easy to focus on the actions of the hot-tempered person, but notice that the verse highlights the outcome of their anger: they "stir up strife." On the flip side, the one who is slow to ange…
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Last reviewed October 2026