4 Wrath [1] is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.

Other Translations of Proverbs 27:4-5

New International Version

4 Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

English Standard Version

4 Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

The Message

4 We're blasted by anger and swamped by rage, but who can survive jealousy?

5 A spoken reprimand is better than approval that's never expressed.

New King James Version

4 Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy?

5 Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed.

New Living Translation

4 Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous.

5 An open rebuke is better than hidden love!

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 27:4-5

Commentary on Proverbs 27:3-4

(Read Proverbs 27:3-4)

Those who have no command of their passions, sink under the load.

Commentary on Proverbs 27:5-6

(Read Proverbs 27:5-6)

Plain and faithful rebukes are better, not only than secret hatred, but than love which compliments in sin, to the hurt of the soul.