Devine Scripture

Proverbs 27:4

What does Proverbs 27:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 27:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 27:4 means

This verse highlights the destructive power of human emotions, particularly comparing wrath and anger to the even more insidious nature of jealousy. "Wrath is cruel" suggests a harsh and hurtful immediate impact, while "anger is overwhelming" points to its capacity to dominate and consume. The rhetorical question, "but who is able to stand before jealousy?" emphasizes that jealousy, unlike open anger or wrath, is a deeply corrosive and often hidden force that can subtly undermine relationships and individuals, making it uniquely dangerous and difficult to confront directly or escape once it takes root in a heart or situation. It is presented as an ultimate, unstoppable destructive force.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; But who is able to stand before jealousy?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; But who is able to stand before jealousy?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Wrath is cruel, and angry feeling an overflowing stream; but who does not give way before envy?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Fury <FI>is<Fi> fierce, and anger <FI>is<Fi> overflowing, And who standeth before jealousy?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Anger hath no mercy: nor fury, when it breaketh forth: and who can bear the violence of one provoked?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Fury is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before jealousy?

Context

This proverb is situated within a section of practical wisdom dealing with various aspects of human relationships and character. Immediately preceding verses discuss the value of open rebuke from a friend and the sweetness of loyalty, setting a backdrop for understanding the challenges within close relationships. Following verses continue to explore themes like a neighbor’s proximity, diligence, and the deceptiveness of outward appearance, along with the dangers of excessive flattery. Proverbs 27:4 serves as a warning about internal emotional dangers that can disrupt the positive relationships and virtues extolled throughout the chapter, emphasizing a key obstacle to harmonious living.

v.3A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; But a fool’s vexation is heavier than they both.

v.4This passage

v.5Better is open rebuke Than love that is hidden.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 John 3:12

    not as Cain was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

  • James 1:19

    Ye knowthis, my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

  • Proverbs 6:34

    For jealousy is the rage of a man; And he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

  • Genesis 26:14

    and he had possessions of flocks, and possessions of herds, and a great household: and the Philistines envied him.

  • Job 5:2

    For vexation killeth the foolish man, And jealousy slayeth the silly one.

  • Acts 7:9

    And the patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Joseph, sold him into Egypt: and God was with him,

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