19 A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
19 Do a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond.
19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
19 Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear.
19 So then,
19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
(Read James 1:19-21)
Instead of blaming God under our trials, let us open our ears and hearts to learn what he teaches by them. And if men would govern their tongues, they must govern their passions. The worst thing we can bring to any dispute, is anger. Here is an exhortation to lay apart, and to cast off as a filthy garment, all sinful practices. This must reach to sins of thought and affection, as well as of speech and practice; to every thing corrupt and sinful. We must yield ourselves to the word of God, with humble and teachable minds. Being willing to hear of our faults, taking it not only patiently, but thankfully. It is the design of the word of God to make us wise to salvation; and those who propose any mean or low ends in attending upon it, dishonour the gospel, and disappoint their own souls.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 18:19
Commentary on Proverbs 18:19
(Read Proverbs 18:19)
Great care must be taken to prevent quarrels among relations and those under obligations to each other. Wisdom and grace make it easy to forgive; but corruption makes it difficult.