Proverbs 14:29

29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly.

Proverbs 14:29 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 14:29

[He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding
Or "long in wrath" ^F5; it is long before he is angry; he is longsuffering, bears much and long, is very patient; such an one appears to understand himself and human nature, and has a great command over his passions; which shows him to be a man of great wisdom and understanding; but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly;
or is "short of spirit" ^F6; is soon angry; presently discovers resentment in his words, looks, and gestures; such an one "exalts folly", prefers it to wisdom, sets it above himself, and makes it his master: or he "lifts" it ^F7 up; exposes his folly to public view, so that it is seen of all men to his disgrace.

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FOOTNOTES:

F5 (Mypa Kra) "longus iris", Vatablus; "longus naribus", Montanus; "longus narium", Schultens.
F6 (xwr ruq) "brevis spiritu", Montanus, Vatblus. Cocceius, Merceus, Michaelis; "curtus spiritu", Schultens.
F7 (Mwrm) "attollit", Mercerus, Piscator; "alte proclamat", Schultens; "elevat", Baynus.

Proverbs 14:29 In-Context

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.

28 In a multitude of people is a king's honor, But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince.

29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly.

30 A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.

31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally short of spirit