Proverbs 14:29

29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who has a quick temper displays 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 Yahweh is a fountain of life, Turning people from the snares of death.

28 In the multitude of people is the king's glory, But in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.

29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who has a quick temper displays folly.

30 The life of the body is a heart at peace, But envy rots the bones.

31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, But he who is kind to the needy honors him.