Angry men seldom want woe.

People given to anger are rarely free of trouble or sorrow. Here, “want” means “lack”: the proverb says that angry people tend to have plenty of woe.

The saying warns that anger may add to a person’s difficulties. A hostile response can deepen a conflict and leave the angry person with more distress to bear.

Use the proverb to caution someone against letting anger govern a response, particularly when an argument could grow worse through harsh words or rash action.