Proverbs 19:11

11 Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.

Proverbs 19:11 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 19:11

The discretion of a man deferreth his anger
That he does not show it immediately; but takes time to consider of the offence given him, and makes use of a proper time to resent what is fit should be resented; he is a wise and discreet man that is slow to anger, ( Proverbs 14:29 ) ( 16:32 ) . He is most like to God, who is "longsuffering, abundant in goodness and truth", ( Exodus 34:6 ) ; and it is to the honour of his "name" that he "defers [his] anger", and "refrains from" cutting off those that offend him, ( Isaiah 48:9 ) ; and [it is] his glory to pass over a transgression;
to forgive an offence committed; it is the duty and interest of a man to do so, and it is to his honour; as the contrary greatly reflects dishonour on him, and tends to his disgrace and reproach, if not to his ruin; see ( Matthew 18:32-35 ) .

Proverbs 19:11 In-Context

9 The person who tells lies gets caught; the person who spreads rumors is ruined.

10 Blockheads shouldn't live on easy street any more than workers should give orders to their boss.

11 Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.

12 Mean-tempered leaders are like mad dogs; the good-natured are like fresh morning dew.

13 A parent is worn to a frazzle by a stupid child; a nagging spouse is a leaky faucet.