Wrath is cruel
The Hebrew word for "wrath" here is "chemah," which conveys a sense of intense heat or fury. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wrath was often associated with divine judgment or human retribution. The word "cruel" underscores the destructive nature of wrath, likening it to a force that can cause significant harm and suffering. From a conservative Christian perspective, this phrase serves as a warning against allowing wrath to take root in one's heart, as it can lead to actions that are contrary to the teachings of Christ, who calls for forgiveness and love.

and anger is like a flood
The Hebrew term for "anger" is "aph," which can also mean "nostrils" or "face," suggesting the flaring of nostrils in anger. The imagery of a "flood" evokes a powerful, overwhelming force that can sweep away everything in its path. Historically, floods were seen as uncontrollable natural disasters, much like unchecked anger can lead to chaos and destruction in relationships and communities. This phrase highlights the need for self-control and the importance of seeking God's peace to counteract the potentially devastating effects of anger.

but who can withstand jealousy?
The word "jealousy" is translated from the Hebrew "qinah," which can also mean "zeal" or "ardor." In the biblical context, jealousy often refers to an intense, consuming emotion that can lead to envy and strife. The rhetorical question "who can withstand" suggests that jealousy is even more insidious and difficult to resist than wrath or anger. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this serves as a caution against allowing jealousy to fester, as it can lead to sin and separation from God. The verse calls believers to cultivate contentment and trust in God's provision, recognizing that jealousy can erode one's spiritual well-being and relationships with others.

1. Solomon
- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and relationships are reflected in this verse.

2. Ancient Israel
- The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.

3. Wisdom Literature
- Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical teachings on how to live a life that is pleasing to God.Understanding the Nature of Emotions
Emotions like wrath, anger, and jealousy are powerful and can lead to destructive behavior if not controlled. Recognizing their potential impact is the first step in managing them.

The Danger of Jealousy
Jealousy is particularly insidious because it can consume a person from within, leading to actions that harm relationships and communities. It is more difficult to withstand than wrath or anger because it often involves deep-seated insecurities and comparisons.

Seeking Godly Wisdom
The wisdom of God, as revealed in Scripture, provides guidance on how to deal with negative emotions. Seeking God's wisdom through prayer and study can help us overcome these destructive feelings.

Cultivating Contentment
One antidote to jealousy is contentment. By focusing on gratitude and the blessings God has given us, we can reduce the power of jealousy in our lives.

Building Healthy Relationships
Open communication and trust are key to preventing jealousy from taking root in relationships. Encouraging and supporting others can help build a community where jealousy is less likely to thrive.(4) But who is able to stand before envy?--Rather, jealousy. (Comp. Proverbs 6:34.) "Wrath" and "anger" rage for awhile like a storm, and then subside; but jealousy can never be completely set at rest.

Verse 4. - Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous. Again substantives are used, as in ver. 3, "Cruelty of wrath, and overflowing of anger." Figure to yourself the fierceness and cruelty of a sudden excitement of anger, or the bursting forth of passion which, like a flood, carries all before it; these may be violent for a time, yet they will subside when they have spent themselves. But who is able to stand before envy? or rather, jealousy. The reference is not so much to the general feeling of envy as to the outraged love in the relation of husband and wife (see Proverbs 6:34, and note there). Song of Solomon 8:6, "Love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the flashes thereof are flashes of fire, a very vehement flame." Such jealousy does not blaze forth in some sudden outbreak, and then die away; it lives and broods and feeds itself hourly with fresh aliment, and is ready to act at any moment, hesitating at no means to gratify itself, and sacrificing without mercy its victim. Septuagint, "Pitiless is wrath, and sharp is anger; but jealousy (ζῆλος) submits to nothing."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Wrath
חֵ֭מָה (ḥê·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2534: Heat, anger, poison

[is] cruel
אַכְזְרִיּ֣וּת (’aḵ·zə·rî·yūṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 395: Cruelty, fierceness

and anger
אָ֑ף (’āp̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

[is] like a flood,
וְשֶׁ֣טֶף (wə·še·ṭep̄)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7858: Flood -- a deluge

but who
וּמִ֥י (ū·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

can withstand
יַ֝עֲמֹד (ya·‘ă·mōḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

jealousy?
קִנְאָֽה׃ (qin·’āh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7068: Ardor, zeal, jealousy


Proverbs 27:4 NIV
Proverbs 27:4 NLT
Proverbs 27:4 ESV
Proverbs 27:4 NASB
Proverbs 27:4 KJV

Proverbs 27:4 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 27:4 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 27:4 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 27:4 French Bible
Proverbs 27:4 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is cruel and anger is overwhelming (Prov. Pro Pr)