Proverbs 14:29

29 He that is slow to wrath is of great intelligence, but he that is short of spirit 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 depart from the snares of death.

28 In the multitude of the people is the king’s glory, but in the failure of the people is the weakness of the prince.

29 He that is slow to wrath is of great intelligence, but he that is short of spirit exalts folly.

30 A sound heart is life to the flesh, but envy is rottenness of the bones.

31 He that oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he that has mercy on the poor, honours him.