Proverbs 30:33 kjv

Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

Proverbs 30:33 nkjv

For as the churning of milk produces butter, And wringing the nose produces blood, So the forcing of wrath produces strife.

Proverbs 30:33 niv

For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife."

Proverbs 30:33 esv

For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.

Proverbs 30:33 nlt

As the beating of cream yields butter
and striking the nose causes bleeding,
so stirring up anger causes quarrels.

Proverbs 30 verses

Proverbs 30 33 Meaning

Proverbs 30:33 illuminates a fundamental principle of cause and effect: just as physical actions on milk or a nose yield predictable physical results, so does stirring up anger inevitably lead to relational strife. It's an astute observation about the natural, unavoidable consequence of provoking or nurturing wrath.

Proverbs 30 33 Context

Proverbs chapter 30 is attributed to Agur son of Jakeh, presenting itself as an oracle. Unlike many proverbs which are two-line antithetical or synthetic sayings, this chapter contains unique forms, including numerical proverbs (e.g., v. 18-19, 24-28) and extended observations on various natural and social phenomena. Verse 33 falls within a section that appears to describe various actions and their inevitable outcomes. It follows Agur's admonition to restrain speech and avoid exalting oneself (v. 32), leading into a concluding thought that parallels natural cause and effect with human behavior. The proverb reinforces the broader wisdom tradition's emphasis on prudent conduct, self-control, and the understanding of consequences, all vital for a flourishing life in a covenant community under God. Historically, such wisdom would have been taught orally, designed for practical daily living and the moral development of individuals within ancient Israelite society.

Proverbs 30 33 Word analysis

• כִּי (ki): Transliterated "ki", meaning "for" or "because". It introduces the causal explanation or analogy, setting up the parallels that follow.
• מִיץ (miyts): Transliterated "miyts", derived from a root meaning "to squeeze," "press," or "wring out." It conveys a deliberate, forceful action, implying agitation or pressure, not mere observation. Its repeated use underlines the active generation of the outcome.
• חָלָב (ḥālāv): Transliterated "chalav", meaning "milk." A common, everyday substance in agrarian societies, serving as a relatable base for the analogy.
• יֹוצִיא (yōwtsiy’): Transliterated "yotsi'", from the verb "yatsa" meaning "to come out" or "to bring forth." This word consistently emphasizes the unavoidable consequence; the action actively "brings out" the result.
• חֶמְאָה (ḥeṃ’āh): Transliterated "chem'ah", referring to "butter" or "curds." It is the natural, intended product of churning milk.
• אַף (’aph): Transliterated "aph". This is a key word with a dual meaning crucial to the proverb's artistry. In the context of the nose, it means "nostril" or "nose." In its figurative sense, "aph" often means "anger" or "wrath," as anger manifests physically in facial expressions or flaring nostrils. The skilled use of this single word creates a potent literary bridge between the physical and the metaphorical.
• דָם (dām): Transliterated "dam", meaning "blood." A graphic, immediate consequence of violent action to the nose.
• רִיב (rīv): Transliterated "riv", meaning "strife," "contention," "quarrel," or "dispute." This is the ultimate, undesirable social consequence, analogous to butter from milk and blood from a nose.
• מִיץ אַפַּיִם (miyts 'appayim): "Pressing of anger/nostrils." The use of the plural "appayim" (dual for two nostrils, or intensified anger) for "nose" in the second clause sets up the powerful link to "anger" in the third clause, highlighting that "pressing/stirring anger" yields "strife." This connection hinges on the inherent ambiguity and double meaning of "aph" which means both nose and anger. The physical pressure applied to the nose finds its direct parallel in the agitation applied to human emotion (anger).
• stirring up anger brings forth strife: This phrase captures the essence of the proverb. It's not passive anger but the active "stirring" (implied by "miyts") that generates the predictable outcome of "strife." It warns against both initiating provocation and perpetuating contention.

Proverbs 30 33 Bonus section

The genius of Proverbs 30:33 lies in the clever use of the Hebrew word אַף ('aph), which simultaneously means "nose" and "anger." This linguistic artistry forms the lynchpin of the analogy. When miyts aph is translated as "squeezing the nose," it speaks to a literal physical action. However, the exact same phrase could literally be "squeezing anger," which immediately foreshadows the proverb's moral punchline about stirring up "strife" (rīv). This intentional ambiguity strengthens the message by tightly binding the physical consequence to the spiritual and relational one. It implies a direct, almost visceral, connection between the physical act of provoking and the relational turmoil that ensues. Furthermore, the proverb highlights not merely the existence of anger, but the active stimulation of it—much like churning milk. This speaks to responsibility: we are accountable not just for our anger, but for actions that bring forth (yotsi’) or unleash anger and, consequently, strife.

Proverbs 30 33 Commentary

Proverbs 30:33 is a vivid, tri-part analogy underscoring a principle of moral cause and effect rooted in natural observations. It asserts that certain actions inherently lead to specific outcomes. The initial two examples are tangible: milk, when agitated ("churned" or "pressed"), produces butter; similarly, the aggressive or forceful twisting of the nose naturally yields blood. These are direct, undeniable physical consequences. The wisdom then applies this direct cause-and-effect relationship to human behavior: precisely in the same inevitable way, the act of "stirring up anger" will produce "strife." This proverb transcends a simple observation; it serves as a profound warning. It reveals that strife is rarely accidental but is a deliberate 'product' generated by specific actions, often the conscious fanning of flames of anger, whether one's own or another's. It encourages discernment in human interaction, urging individuals to avoid inflammatory words or deeds, for doing so inevitably leads to conflict and contention within relationships and communities. The proverb challenges believers to exercise self-control and pursue peace, understanding that a peaceful outcome necessitates the absence of actions that stir anger.

• Practical usage: A community leader might cite this verse to caution against gossip that fuels resentment. Parents can use it to teach children that hurtful words often lead to fights. An individual struggling with anger might reflect on how their own unchecked "stirring" of internal wrath manifests in outward quarrels.