Proverbs 14:17

KJV

¶ [He that is] soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that is soon {H7116} angry {H639} dealeth {H6213} foolishly {H200}: and a man {H376} of wicked devices {H4209} is hated {H8130}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who is quick-tempered does stupid things, and one who does vile things is hated.

Berean Standard Bible

A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated.

American Standard Version

He that is soon angry will deal foolishly; And a man of wicked devices is hated.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 14:17 presents a stark contrast between two destructive character traits and their inevitable consequences: the impulsive folly of a quick temper and the social alienation faced by those who harbor malicious intentions. This proverb serves as a profound warning, highlighting how uncontrolled emotions and wicked schemes lead to detrimental outcomes, both personally and in one's standing within the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 14 is a rich tapestry of wisdom sayings, characteristic of the book's broader aim to impart practical and spiritual guidance for daily living. This chapter frequently employs antithetical parallelism, contrasting 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](/proverbs/14-16 "Proverbs 14:16 - The Wise and the Foolish") and [Proverbs 14:18](/proverbs/14-18 "Proverbs 14:18 - The Simple and the Prudent") immediately preceding and following our verse, continue this theme of distinguishing 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.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs originates from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, where the sage (often associated with figures like King Solomon) played a crucial role in educating individuals on how to live a flourishing life in harmony with divine order. 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*, "short of nose/anger") was seen as unstable and unreliable, prone to rash decisions that could harm relationships and communal peace. Similarly, one who harbored "wicked devices" (*mᵉzimmâh*) was a threat to trust and order, and such malicious intent would naturally lead to ostracization and hatred within a close-knit society. 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.

* **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 and patience, portraying the "slow to anger" as wise and the "soon angry" as foolish, as seen in [Proverbs 14:29](/proverbs/14-29 "Proverbs 14:29 - Patience and Folly"). 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 bad thoughts, but one whose very character is defined by harmful schemes, leading to social rejection. 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, while folly leads to self-destruction and alienation from both God and community. The verse implicitly calls for the cultivation of a discerning heart and disciplined spirit, foundational to true wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **qâtsêr (Hebrew, _qâtsêr'_):** From a root meaning "short," this word describes something brief or limited. In the idiom "soon angry" (literally "short of nose/anger"), it signifies a quickness or hastiness in temper, indicating a lack of patience or self-control. It points to an individual whose emotional fuse is exceedingly short, leading to immediate and often regrettable reactions.
* **ʼaph (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** Primarily meaning "nose" or "nostril," this term idiomatically refers to "anger" or "wrath," stemming from the visible physical signs of rapid breathing and flaring nostrils associated with intense emotion. When combined with _qâtsêr_, it vividly portrays someone whose anger is easily ignited and quickly expressed, lacking the forbearance characteristic of wisdom.
* **mᵉzimmâh (Hebrew, _mᵉzimmâh'_):** This noun denotes a "plan" or "device," often with a negative connotation of "machination" or "evil intent." While it can sometimes refer to good sagacity or "discretion," in this context, paired with "wicked," it clearly points to malicious schemes, cunning plots, or perverse thoughts that aim to harm, deceive, or exploit others. It speaks to a heart that actively devises evil.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly:"** This clause describes the person characterized by a quick temper. The Hebrew idiom "short of nose" (qetsar-ʼaph) vividly portrays someone whose anger flares up instantly. Such a person "dealeth foolishly" (ya'aseh 'ivveleth), meaning they act stupidly, imprudently, or irrationally. Their impulsive reactions, driven by unbridled emotion, lead to actions, words, or decisions that are ill-considered, self-damaging, and often destructive to relationships and personal well-being. This highlights the inherent irrationality that accompanies uncontrolled wrath.
* **"and a man of wicked devices is hated."** This second clause shifts focus to a different but equally destructive character: one who harbors "wicked devices" (mᵉzimmâh). This refers to an individual 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, this describes a calculated malevolence. The inevitable consequence of such a character is that they "is hated" (sânêʼ). Their internal malice manifests in ways that alienate them from others, leading to social rejection, distrust, and animosity from the community.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 14:17 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the two clauses present contrasting ideas or consequences. The first clause describes the foolishness resulting from a quick temper, while the second describes the social hatred incurred by malicious intent. Though distinct, both lead to negative outcomes, underscoring the dangers of unrighteous character. The phrase "soon angry" is a powerful **Idiom** (qetsar-ʼaph, literally "short of nose"), visually representing a lack of patience and a quickness to wrath, a common Hebrew expression that vividly conveys the emotional state. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** to highlight the difference between impulsive foolishness (anger) and calculated wickedness (devices), showing that both internal dispositions, though different in nature, lead to undesirable and destructive results for the individual and their social standing.

### 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, a theme consistently warned against throughout Scripture. Similarly, the "man of wicked devices" reveals a heart that actively plots evil, a condition explicitly condemned by God as an abomination. The theological implication is that true wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord, necessitates not only outward righteous actions but also an internal transformation that governs emotions and purifies intentions. Both uncontrolled anger and malicious scheming are antithetical to God's character and His call for His people to live in peace and love with one another.

* [Proverbs 16:32](/proverbs/16-32 "Proverbs 16:32 - Better to be Slow to Anger")
* [James 1:19-20](/james/1-19 "James 1:19-20 - Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, Slow to Anger")
* [Psalm 7:14-16](/psalms/7-14 "Psalm 7:14-16 - The Wicked Conceive Mischief")

### 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 a world often characterized by instant reactions and digital anonymity that can foster malicious intent, this proverb serves as a vital mirror. It challenges 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 can unravel relationships, damage careers, and lead to regrettable words or deeds that cannot be easily undone. Likewise, harboring ill will or devising schemes against others poisons our own souls 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most prone to being "soon angry," and what are the typical consequences of these reactions?**
* **How might you proactively cultivate patience and emotional self-control in your daily interactions?**
* **What "wicked devices" or malicious thoughts might you be harboring, perhaps subtly, and how do these affect your relationships and inner peace?**
* **How does this proverb encourage you to pray for a pure heart and righteous intentions, knowing their impact on your social standing and spiritual well-being?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "deal foolishly" when one is "soon angry"?**

Answer: 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), their anger quickly overrides their reason and discretion. This leads them to make impulsive decisions, speak rashly, or take actions that are not well thought out and ultimately lead to negative consequences. Such foolishness can damage relationships, reputation, and personal well-being, as the individual acts out of raw emotion rather than wisdom or self-control. The proverb highlights that a quick temper is not just a personality quirk but a pathway to destructive behavior, contrasting with the wisdom of being [slow to anger](/proverbs/14-29 "Proverbs 14:29 - The Value of Patience").

**How does one avoid being a "man of wicked devices"?**

Answer: Avoiding being a "man of wicked devices" (Hebrew: *ʼîysh mᵉzimmâh*) involves a conscious and continuous effort to guard one's heart and mind. This proverb speaks to the internal state of planning or scheming evil. To avoid this, one must:
1. **Cultivate a pure heart:** As [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart") states, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." This means actively choosing to fill one's mind with good, true, and noble thoughts, rather than dwelling on bitterness, revenge, or harmful intentions.
2. **Practice self-examination:** Regularly reflecting on one's motives and intentions, bringing them before God in prayer, and seeking His guidance can reveal hidden malice.
3. **Embrace love and forgiveness:** Choosing to love others and forgive those who have wronged us is the antithesis of devising wicked schemes. [Romans 12:17-21](/romans/12-17 "Romans 12:17-21 - Do Not Be Overcome by Evil") encourages us not to repay evil with evil but to overcome evil with good.
4. **Seek wisdom from God:** Praying for divine wisdom and discernment helps in aligning one's thoughts and plans with God's righteous will, ensuring that one's "devices" are for good, not evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 14:17, in its depiction of the folly of quick anger and the hatred for wicked devices, finds its ultimate fulfillment and 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. He was never "soon angry" in the foolish, impulsive sense, though He displayed righteous indignation against sin and injustice, as seen when He [cleansed the temple](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses 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."

Furthermore, Jesus was entirely devoid of "wicked devices." His thoughts and plans were always pure, benevolent, and aligned with the Father's 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](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Seeks the Lost"), and to lay down His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). 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 ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10 "John 1:10-11 - The World Did Not Recognize Him")). Through His sacrificial death, Christ bore the hatred and the consequences of humanity's foolish anger and wicked devices, offering reconciliation and a path to a transformed heart, enabling believers to walk in wisdom and love, free from the destructive patterns described in this proverb ([Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciled in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 14:29

¶ [He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding: but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Proverbs 29:22

¶ An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

Ecclesiastes 7:9

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

James 1:19

¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Proverbs 15:18

¶ A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Proverbs 16:32

¶ [He that is] slow to anger [is] better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Proverbs 22:24

¶ Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: