Proverbs 18:19

If you help relatives, they will protect you like [SIM] a strong wall protects a city, but if you quarrel with them, that will separate you from them like bars on a city gate separate the city from those who want to enter it [MET].

Translation for Translators

In The King James Version

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

In Context

18If two influential/important people are arguing, someone can settle the matter by ◄casting lots/throwing marked stones to decide who is right►.

20People are happy when they hear others say [MTY] something that is good, like they are happy when they eat food that is good [MET].

Read all of Proverbs 18

Cross References

Genesis 27:41So, because his father had given a blessing to Jacob, and not to him, Esau hated his younger brother. Esau thought to himself, “After my father dies and we finish mourning for him, I will kill Jacob!”

Genesis 37:3Jacob loved Joseph more than he loved any of his other children, because Joseph had been born when Jacob was an old man. Jacob made for Joseph a long pretty robe that had long sleeves.

Genesis 37:18But they saw him when he was still far away, and they decided to kill him.

2 Samuel 13:28So they all went. And at the celebration, Absalom commanded his servants, “Notice when Amnon has become a bit drunk from the wine. Then when I signal to you, kill him. Do not be afraid; you will be doing this only because I told you [RHQ] to do it. So be courageous and do it!”

1 Kings 12:16When the Israeli leaders realized that the king did not pay any attention to what they said, they shouted, “We do not [RHQ] want anything to do with this descendant of King David! We will not pay attention to what this grandson of Jesse says! You people of Israel, let’s go home! As for this descendant of David [MTY], he can rule his own kingdom [MTY]!” So the Israeli leaders returned to their homes.

Proverbs 6:19people who easily tell lies in court; and people who cause strife between family members.

Matthew Henry on Proverbs 18:19

18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. Note, 1. Contentions commonly happen among the mighty, that are jealous for their honour and right and stand upon the punctilios of both, that are confident of their being able to make their part good and therefore will hardly condescend to the necessary terms of an accommodation; whereas those that are poor are forced to be peaceable, and sit down losers. 2. Even the contentions of the mighty may be ended by lot if they cannot otherwise be… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Proverbs 18:19