Proverbs 27:4

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

Cross-reference

Proverbs 14:30 says envy rots bones, directly paralleling Proverbs 27:4's claim that jealousy is unbearable—both highlight envy's destruction.

Proverbs 6:34 says jealousy makes a husband relentless in revenge, directly paralleling the fierce, unstoppable jealousy here.

1 John 3:12 Parallel

1 John 3:12 cites Cain murdering Abel out of jealousy, the classic example of jealousy's deadly force.

Genesis 26:14 Historical context

Genesis 26:14 describes Philistine envy over Isaac's wealth—a narrative example of the jealousy Proverbs 27:4 warns is unstoppable.

James 3:14-16 describes bitter envy leading to disorder and every evil practice, directly echoing jealousy's overwhelming force.

Acts 17:5 Historical context

Acts 17:5 shows jealous Jews inciting a riot against Paul, illustrating how jealousy drives destructive mob violence.

Acts 7:9 Historical context

Acts 7:9 recounts the patriarchs' jealousy selling Joseph—a vivid illustration of the envy Proverbs 27:4 warns is fiercer than anger.

Matthew 27:18 Historical context

Matthew 27:18 reveals envy motivated Jesus' crucifixion—the ultimate demonstration of the jealousy Proverbs 27:4 calls unbearable.

Song of Solomon 8:6 describes jealousy as unyielding as the grave with blazing flames, a vivid parallel to its overwhelming power.

Job 5:2 Parallel

Job 5:2 states that anger and jealousy kill, reinforcing Proverbs 27:4's point that jealousy is fiercer than wrath.

Genesis 37:11 Historical context

Genesis 37:11 shows Joseph's brothers' jealousy—a classic case of the consuming envy Proverbs 27:4 says no one can withstand.

In Nehemiah 2:10, Sanballat and Tobiah's displeasure arises from jealousy of Jewish renewal, illustrating envy's hostile reaction.

In 1 Samuel 19:15, Saul again sends assassins after David out of jealousy, reinforcing the proverb's claim about jealousy's severity.

In 1 Samuel 19:1, jealousy leads Saul to order David's death, showing how jealousy fuels murderous intent.

In Ecclesiastes 4:4, all human effort is driven by envy, directly echoing the proverb's claim about jealousy's pervasive power.

In 1 Samuel 18:11, Saul's jealousy drives him to hurl a spear at David, exemplifying the destructive power of jealousy.

In Matthew 2:16, Herod's envious rage drives him to slaughter infants — a vivid example of envy's destructive power.

1 Samuel 18:8 shows Saul's anger kindled by envy of David's acclaim—directly illustrating 'who can stand before envy?'

Mark 15:10 Parallel

In Mark 15:10, Pilate notes the chief priests delivered Jesus out of envy — directly illustrating envy's power.

Judges 12:1 Parallel

In Judges 12:1, the Ephraimites' angry threat against Jephthah arises from envy at being excluded—a vivid example of envy's destructive force.

Genesis 37:11 says Joseph's brothers were jealous of him, leading to their plot—a clear example of jealousy's destructive power.

James 1:19-21 urges being slow to anger, echoing Proverbs 27:4's warning that wrath is fierce—both caution against uncontrolled anger.

Genesis 31:1 shows Laban's sons jealous over Jacob's wealth, illustrating jealousy's resentment and accusation.

Romans 1:29 Related theme

Romans 1:29 lists envy among sins of a depraved mind, placing jealousy within a broader pattern of unrighteousness.