TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 14:17.
Note, 1. Passionate men are justly laughed at. Men who are peevish and touchy, and are soon angry upon every the least provocation, deal foolishly; they say and do that which is ridiculous, and so expose themselves to contempt; they themselves cannot but be ashamed of it when the heat is over. The consideration of this should engage those especially who are in reputation for wisdom and honour with the utmost care to bridle their passion. 2. Malicious men are justly dreaded and detested, for they are much more dangerous and mischievous to all societies: A man of wicked devices, who stifles his resentments till he has an opportunity of being revenged, and is secretly plotting how to wrong his neighbour and to do him an ill turn, as Cain to kill Abel, such a man as this is hated by all mankind. The character of an angry man is pitiable; through the surprise of a temptation he disturbs and disgraces himself, but it is soon over, and he is sorry for it. But that of a spiteful revengeful man is odious; there is no fence against him nor cure for him.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
An impatient man works folly, etc. Certainly an impatient man is reprehensible, but far worse and more hateful to God is the cunning man, although he is considered better among men. For the former openly shows his folly to all, while the latter, in his perverse heart, often feigns simplicity and righteousness, and is pleased to be called holy in human judgment, while in the divine examination he is considered among the reprobate.
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Summary
Proverbs 14:17 masterfully contrasts two distinct yet equally destructive character flaws and their inevitable consequences: the impulsive folly of a quick temper and the social alienation faced by those who harbor malicious intentions. This profound proverb serves as a vital warning, highlighting how uncontrolled emotions and premeditated wicked schemes lead to detrimental outcomes, both personally and in one's standing within the community, underscoring the critical importance of self-control and purity of heart for a flourishing life.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 14 is a rich collection of wisdom sayings, characteristic of the book's overarching aim to impart practical and spiritual guidance for daily living. This chapter frequently employs antithetical parallelism, a hallmark of Proverbs, by juxtaposing the path of the wise with that of the foolish, the righteous with the wicked, and the diligent with the slothful. Verses like Proverbs 14:16, which speaks of the wise person's caution and the fool's recklessness, and Proverbs 14:18, which distinguishes between the simple and the prudent, immediately precede and follow our verse. These surrounding proverbs continue the theme of discerning between prudent and foolish behavior, emphasizing the importance of discretion and the dangers of impulsivity. Proverbs 14:17 fits seamlessly into this discourse, specifically addressing the internal dispositions of anger and malice, and their outward manifestations in actions and relationships.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Book of Proverbs emerges from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, where the sage, often associated with figures like King Solomon, played a crucial role in instructing individuals on how to live a flourishing life in harmony with divine order and societal norms. In ancient Israelite society, community and reputation were paramount. Actions and character traits that disrupted social cohesion or brought shame upon an individual or family were severely condemned. A "soon angry" person (Hebrew: qetsar-ʼaph, literally "short of nose/anger") was perceived as unstable and unreliable, prone to rash decisions that could harm relationships and communal peace. Such an individual would struggle to maintain trust and respect. Similarly, one who harbored "wicked devices" (mᵉzimmâh) was a profound threat to the fabric of trust and order within a close-knit society. Malicious intent, when acted upon, inevitably led to ostracization and hatred. The proverbs often reflect a pragmatic theology, where righteous living generally leads to blessing and folly to suffering, a concept deeply embedded in the Deuteronomic covenant and the understanding of cause and effect in God's moral universe.
Key Themes
Proverbs 14:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the Folly of Impulsivity and Uncontrolled Emotion, particularly anger. The book consistently advocates for self-control, patience, and measured responses, portraying the "slow to anger" as wise and the "soon angry" as foolish, as further articulated in Proverbs 14:29 and Proverbs 15:18. Secondly, it highlights the Consequences of Internal Disposition, demonstrating that one's inner thoughts and intentions, whether malicious or benevolent, inevitably shape one's external relationships and social standing. A "man of wicked devices" is not merely an individual with fleeting bad thoughts, but one whose very character is defined by harmful schemes, leading to social rejection and animosity. This connects to the broader theme of the Path of Wisdom vs. the Path of Folly, where wisdom involves cultivating righteous character and discerning actions that lead to life and blessing, while folly leads to self-destruction, alienation from both God and community, and ultimately, death (Proverbs 14:12). The verse implicitly calls for the cultivation of a discerning heart and disciplined spirit, foundational to true wisdom and a life lived in harmony with God's design.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This adjective, derived from a root meaning "to cut short," describes something as "short," whether in size, number, life, strength, or temper. In the idiomatic phrase "soon angry" (literally "short of nose/anger"), it signifies a quickness or hastiness in temper, indicating a profound lack of patience or self-control. It points to an individual whose emotional fuse is exceedingly brief, leading to immediate, often regrettable, and ill-considered reactions.
Primarily meaning "nose" or "nostril," this term idiomatically refers to "anger" or "wrath." This connection stems from the visible physical signs of rapid breathing and flaring nostrils associated with intense emotional arousal. When combined with qâtsêr, it vividly portrays someone whose anger is easily ignited and quickly expressed, lacking the forbearance and self-restraint characteristic of wisdom. The image is one of a person whose wrath is instantly visible and uncontrolled.
This noun denotes a "plan" or "device," often carrying a negative connotation of "machination" or "evil intent." While it can occasionally refer to positive "sagacity" or "discretion," in this context, particularly when paired with "wicked," it unequivocally points to malicious schemes, cunning plots, or perverse thoughts that aim to harm, deceive, or exploit others. It describes a heart that actively and often calculatingly devises evil, contrasting sharply with impulsive anger by implying premeditation.
Verse Breakdown
"He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly:"
This initial clause vividly describes the character of one prone to a quick temper. The Hebrew idiom "short of nose" (qetsar-ʼaph) powerfully conveys the idea of someone whose anger flares up instantly, with little to no provocation or restraint. Such a person "dealeth foolishly" (ya'aseh 'ivveleth), meaning they act stupidly, imprudently, or irrationally. Their impulsive reactions, driven by unbridled emotion rather than thoughtful consideration, lead to actions, words, or decisions that are ill-considered, self-damaging, and often destructive to relationships, reputation, and personal well-being. This highlights the inherent irrationality and self-sabotage that accompany uncontrolled wrath.
"and a man of wicked devices is hated."
This second clause shifts focus to a different but equally destructive character: an individual who harbors "wicked devices" (mᵉzimmâh). This refers to someone whose thoughts and intentions are consumed by malicious schemes, cunning plots, or perverse plans designed to harm, deceive, or exploit others. Unlike the impulsive anger of the first clause, this describes a calculated and premeditated malevolence. The inevitable consequence of such a character is that they "is hated" (sânêʼ). Their internal malice, when it inevitably manifests in their actions, alienates them from others, leading to widespread social rejection, deep distrust, and animosity from the community. Their very nature becomes repugnant to those around them.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 14:17 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message with clarity and impact. The most prominent is Antithetical Parallelism, where the two clauses present contrasting but complementary ideas, both leading to negative outcomes. The first clause describes the foolishness resulting from a quick temper, while the second describes the social hatred incurred by malicious intent. Though distinct in their nature (impulsive vs. premeditated), both character flaws underscore the dangers of unrighteous internal dispositions. The phrase "soon angry" is a powerful Idiom (Hebrew: qetsar-ʼaph, literally "short of nose"), a common Hebrew expression that vividly conveys a lack of patience and a quickness to wrath, creating a strong visual image of flaring nostrils and immediate emotional eruption. Furthermore, the verse uses Contrast to highlight the difference between impulsive foolishness (anger) and calculated wickedness (devices), demonstrating that both internal dispositions, though different in their manifestation, lead to undesirable and destructive results for the individual and their social standing, serving as a comprehensive warning against ungodly character.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This proverb deeply connects to the biblical emphasis on the heart as the wellspring of life, and the critical importance of self-control and righteous intentions. The "soon angry" person fails in self-governance, allowing passion to override reason and wisdom, a theme consistently warned against throughout Scripture as a departure from God's design for human flourishing. Similarly, the "man of wicked devices" reveals a heart that actively plots evil, a condition explicitly condemned by God as an abomination and a source of all unrighteousness. The theological implication is profound: true wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord, necessitates not only outward righteous actions but also an internal transformation that governs emotions, purifies intentions, and aligns one's deepest desires with God's character. Both uncontrolled anger and malicious scheming are antithetical to God's holy character and His call for His people to live in peace, love, and integrity with one another, reflecting His own righteous nature.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 14:17 offers timeless and profound wisdom for contemporary life, urging us to cultivate internal discipline and purity of heart in an era often characterized by instant reactions, digital anonymity that can foster malicious intent, and a culture that sometimes normalizes quick anger. This proverb serves as a vital mirror, challenging us to examine not just our outward actions but the very wellsprings of our behavior: our emotional responses and our hidden thoughts. A quick temper, left unchecked, can unravel relationships, damage careers, and lead to regrettable words or deeds that cannot be easily undone, leaving a trail of hurt and broken trust. Likewise, harboring ill will, nursing grudges, or devising schemes against others poisons our own souls, distorts our perception, and inevitably isolates us, as trust is eroded and genuine connection becomes impossible. True wisdom, therefore, calls us to prayerfully seek self-control over our passions and to actively cultivate benevolent thoughts and intentions, recognizing that our inner world profoundly shapes our outer reality and our standing before both God and humanity. It is a call to intentional spiritual formation, guarding the heart above all else.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to "deal foolishly" when one is "soon angry"?
To "deal foolishly" (Hebrew: ya'aseh 'ivveleth) means to act in a stupid, irrational, or imprudent manner. When a person is "soon angry" (i.e., has a short temper or is "short of nose"), their anger quickly overrides their reason, discernment, and self-control. This leads them to make impulsive decisions, speak rashly, or take actions that are not well thought out and ultimately lead to negative or destructive consequences. Such foolishness can damage relationships, reputation, and personal well-being, as the individual acts out of raw, uncontrolled emotion rather than wisdom or self-control. The proverb highlights that a quick temper is not just a personality quirk but a dangerous pathway to destructive behavior, contrasting sharply with the wisdom of being slow to anger.
How does one avoid being a "man of wicked devices"?
Avoiding being a "man of wicked devices" (Hebrew: ʼîysh mᵉzimmâh) involves a conscious and continuous effort to guard one's heart and mind, as this proverb speaks to the internal state of planning or scheming evil. To avoid this, one must:
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 14:17, in its stark depiction of the folly of quick anger and the social alienation resulting from wicked devices, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus perfectly embodied the wisdom that this proverb commends, demonstrating absolute self-control and purity of heart in every aspect of His life. He was never "soon angry" in the foolish, impulsive sense described here, though He did display righteous indignation against sin and injustice, as powerfully seen when He cleansed the temple. His anger was always controlled, purposeful, and rooted in perfect love for God's holiness and humanity's redemption, never leading Him to "deal foolishly" or act irrationally.
Furthermore, Jesus was entirely devoid of "wicked devices." His thoughts and plans were always pure, benevolent, and perfectly aligned with the Father's redemptive will, even when those plans led Him to the cross. He came not to devise evil against humanity, but to seek and to save the lost, and to lay down His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). The hatred He experienced, unlike that of the "man of wicked devices," was not a consequence of His own malice but a result of the world's inherent wickedness and its rejection of divine light and truth (John 1:10-11). Through His sacrificial death, Christ bore the hatred and the devastating consequences of humanity's foolish anger and wicked devices, offering reconciliation and a path to a transformed heart. In Him, believers are reconciled to God (Colossians 1:21-22) and empowered by His Spirit to walk in wisdom and love, free from the destructive patterns described in this proverb, reflecting His character to a world in need of His grace.