Proverbs 14:29

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

He that is slow {H750} to wrath {H639} is of great {H7227} understanding {H8394}: but he that is hasty {H7116} of spirit {H7307} exalteth {H7311} folly {H200}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Being slow to anger goes with great understanding, being quick-tempered makes folly still worse.

Berean Standard Bible

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.

American Standard Version

He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 14:29 profoundly contrasts the disposition of wisdom with that of foolishness, asserting that patience and self-control in the face of provocation are hallmarks of deep understanding, while an impulsive or quick-tempered spirit inevitably leads to the public display and elevation of folly. This verse underscores the practical outworking of inner character, revealing that true insight is demonstrated not merely by intellectual capacity but by one's ability to govern emotions, especially anger, thereby fostering peace and avoiding destructive outcomes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 14 is a rich tapestry of practical wisdom, employing antithetical parallelism to present stark contrasts between the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. This chapter, like much of the book, offers concise, memorable couplets that guide the reader toward a life of prudence and godliness. Verse 29 fits perfectly within this literary framework, directly contrasting two types of individuals based on their emotional temperament: the "slow to wrath" versus the "hasty of spirit." It immediately follows a verse (Proverbs 14:28) that speaks of the glory of a king in the multitude of his people, suggesting that good leadership, like personal wisdom, requires a measured temper. The proverb's placement emphasizes that emotional control is not merely a personal virtue but a foundational element for societal well-being and effective leadership, echoing themes found throughout [the wisdom literature](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom Literature").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern cultures, honor and shame were paramount. Public displays of emotion, particularly uncontrolled anger, could bring significant shame upon an individual and their family. Wisdom was highly valued, often seen as a gift from God and a practical skill for navigating life's complexities. The "spirit" (Hebrew: _ruach_) was understood as the animating force, the inner disposition or temperament of a person. A "hasty spirit" would have been recognized as a volatile and unreliable character trait, detrimental to community harmony and personal reputation. Conversely, "slowness to wrath" (Hebrew: _'erekh appayim_) was a highly esteemed virtue, often attributed to God Himself, signifying patience and forbearance, qualities essential for maintaining social order and justice in a communal society.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent in the Book of Proverbs. Foremost among these is **Self-Control and Patience**, highlighting the virtue of emotional restraint as a sign of maturity and wisdom. The ability to be "slow to wrath" demonstrates a deliberate choice to pause and consider rather than react impulsively, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 16:32](/proverbs/16-32 "Proverbs 16:32 - Better to Be Patient Than Powerful"). Closely related is the theme of **Wisdom and Understanding**, where true insight is linked not just to intellectual knowledge but to the practical application of discernment in daily life, particularly in managing one's temper. The proverb starkly contrasts this with **Rashness and Folly**, portraying the "hasty of spirit" as one who "exalteth folly," meaning their uncontrolled reactions publicly display and even amplify their lack of wisdom, leading to destructive consequences, as seen in [Proverbs 29:11](/proverbs/29-11 "Proverbs 29:11 - A Fool Gives Full Vent to His Anger").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **slow (Hebrew, _ʼârêk'_):** Derived from a root meaning "long," this term signifies extended duration, patience, or forbearance. In the context of "slow to wrath," it denotes a "long-suffering" disposition, one that does not quickly erupt in anger but rather possesses a deep reservoir of patience. This quality is often used to describe God's own character, as in His attribute of being [slow to anger](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Compassionate Character").
* **wrath (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** Literally meaning "nose" or "nostril," this word idiomatically refers to anger, particularly the rapid breathing and flaring of nostrils associated with intense passion or rage. When combined with "slow" (_ʼârêk_), it forms the phrase "long of nose/nostrils," a Hebrew idiom for patience and slowness to anger, indicating a controlled, measured response rather than an explosive outburst.
* **folly (Hebrew, _ʼivveleth'_):** This term denotes silliness, foolishness, or stupidity, often implying a lack of moral or spiritual understanding that leads to irrational and destructive behavior. It is distinct from mere ignorance, suggesting a willful rejection of wisdom or a persistent pattern of unsound judgment. To "exalt folly" means to publicly display, magnify, or give prominence to such foolish behavior through one's actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding:"** This clause presents the positive correlation between emotional self-control and profound insight. To be "slow to wrath" (Hebrew: _'erekh appayim_) describes a person who is patient, forbearing, and not easily provoked. This disposition is directly linked to "great understanding" (Hebrew: _rab tabunah_), indicating that true wisdom involves not just intellectual knowledge but also the practical discernment to manage one's emotions, particularly anger. Such an individual possesses a deep grasp of consequences, human nature, and divine principles, allowing them to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
* **"but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly."** This contrasting clause highlights the negative consequences of impulsiveness. "Hasty of spirit" (Hebrew: _qetsar ruach_) refers to someone who is impatient, quick-tempered, or irritable, whose inner disposition is marked by volatility. Such a person "exalteth folly" (Hebrew: _yarem 'ivveleth_), meaning they publicly display, promote, or give prominence to foolishness through their uncontrolled actions and words. Their lack of self-control is not merely a private failing but a public declaration of their lack of wisdom, often leading to regrettable outcomes and bringing shame upon themselves.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 14:29 masterfully employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature, to create a sharp contrast between two opposing character types and their respective outcomes. The first half describes the positive attributes and benefits of being "slow to wrath," while the second half describes the negative characteristics and consequences of being "hasty of spirit." This juxtaposition powerfully highlights the virtue of patience and the vice of impulsiveness. The phrase "slow to wrath" is an **Idiom** (Hebrew: _'erekh appayim_, literally "long of nostrils"), vividly conveying the idea of long-suffering and patience, drawing on the physical manifestation of controlled breathing versus the rapid breathing of anger. Similarly, "hasty of spirit" (Hebrew: _qetsar ruach_, literally "short of spirit") is an **Idiom** for impatience and irritability. The verb "exalteth" (Hebrew: _rûwm_) in relation to "folly" is a powerful use of **Personification** or **Metaphor**, suggesting that the hasty person not only commits folly but actively elevates it, making it visible and prominent, as if folly itself were a king enthroned by their actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 14:29 delves into the profound theological concept that true wisdom is not merely intellectual acumen but an intrinsic aspect of one's character, deeply intertwined with emotional and spiritual maturity. The "slowness to wrath" is a divine attribute (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 86:15; 103:8; 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Nahum 1:3), reflecting God's patient and forbearing nature towards humanity. When humans embody this quality, they are mirroring the divine image, demonstrating a spiritual understanding that transcends mere human reasoning. Conversely, the "hasty of spirit" embodies a lack of trust in God's timing and sovereignty, often reacting out of self-reliance or fear, thereby exalting human folly over divine wisdom. This proverb thus calls believers to cultivate a temperament that reflects God's own patience, recognizing that such self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and a pathway to living a life aligned with God's will.

* [James 1:19-20](/james/1-19 "James 1:19-20 - Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, Slow to Anger")
* [Ecclesiastes 7:9](/ecclesiastes/7-9 "Ecclesiastes 7:9 - Do Not Be Quick to Anger")
* [Proverbs 15:18](/proverbs/15-18 "Proverbs 15:18 - A Hot-Tempered Man Stirs Up Strife")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often celebrates immediate reactions and quick responses, Proverbs 14:29 serves as a timeless and counter-cultural call to cultivate inner tranquility and thoughtful restraint. This proverb challenges us to examine our own default reactions, particularly when faced with frustration, criticism, or perceived injustice. Are we quick to flare up, or do we possess the "great understanding" that allows for a measured, patient response? The practical application of this verse extends to every sphere of life: our family relationships, professional interactions, and even our engagement with social media. By choosing to be "slow to wrath," we not only preserve our own peace of mind but also foster healthier environments, prevent regrettable words and actions, and demonstrate a wisdom that earns respect and builds trust. Conversely, giving in to a "hasty spirit" inevitably leads to damaged relationships, poor decisions, and a public display of immaturity, undermining our witness and effectiveness. True strength lies not in the ability to dominate others with anger, but in the power to master oneself with patience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific situations do I find myself most prone to being "hasty of spirit"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a "slow to wrath" disposition in my daily life?**
* **How might my "hasty spirit" or "slowness to wrath" impact my relationships with family, friends, or colleagues?**
* **What does it mean for me to "exalt folly" through my actions, and how can I avoid this?**

### FAQ

**What does "slow to wrath" mean in practical terms?**

Answer: "Slow to wrath" means exercising patience, self-control, and forbearance when provoked or faced with frustrating circumstances. It implies a deliberate pause before reacting, allowing for thoughtful consideration rather than an impulsive outburst of anger. Practically, it means choosing to listen before speaking, seeking to understand before judging, and responding with grace rather than immediate retaliation. This quality is often associated with wisdom and maturity, as it prevents hasty decisions and preserves relationships, reflecting the divine attribute of God being [slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - God's Compassion and Patience").

**How does being "hasty of spirit" lead to "exalting folly"?**

Answer: Being "hasty of spirit" refers to someone who is quick-tempered, impatient, or impulsive. When such an individual reacts without thought, their actions or words are often irrational, destructive, or ill-advised. To "exalt folly" means that their rash behavior publicly displays, promotes, or magnifies foolishness. Their lack of self-control becomes a visible testament to their lack of wisdom, leading to regrettable outcomes, damaged reputation, and often, more problems than solutions. It's a public declaration that folly, rather than wisdom, is guiding their life, as seen in the consequences described in [Proverbs 29:20](/proverbs/29-20 "Proverbs 29:20 - The Danger of Hasty Speech").

**Is this proverb only about anger, or does it have broader implications?**

Answer: While "wrath" (Hebrew: _'aph_) directly refers to anger, the proverb's message has broader implications for overall temperament and self-control. "Hasty of spirit" (Hebrew: _qetsar ruach_) can encompass impatience, irritability, and impulsiveness in general, not just anger. Therefore, the proverb encourages a measured, thoughtful, and patient disposition in all areas of life. It speaks to the wisdom of deliberating before acting, considering consequences, and maintaining emotional equilibrium in the face of various challenges. This principle aligns with the broader biblical call for self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, as detailed in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 14:29 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of "great understanding" and the perfect example of being "slow to wrath." Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated unparalleled patience, even in the face of profound provocation, rejection, and betrayal. When reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten (as described in [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering Patiently")). His spirit was never "hasty"; rather, it was marked by divine composure and perfect self-control. Even as He faced the cross, the ultimate injustice, He prayed, "[Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for His Executioners")" – a profound demonstration of being "slow to wrath" in its most extreme form. Unlike humanity, who "exalteth folly" through impulsive sin, Christ perfectly exalted divine wisdom and righteousness, culminating in His atoning sacrifice which perfectly satisfied God's just wrath while simultaneously extending His immeasurable patience and grace. Through His Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to put off the "hasty spirit" of the old self and increasingly manifest the "slow to wrath" character of Christ, becoming more like Him who is "[gentle and lowly in heart](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")" and who perfectly embodies all wisdom.

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

James 1:19

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

Ecclesiastes 7:9

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

Proverbs 14:17

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

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 19:11

¶ The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and [it is] his glory to pass over a transgression.

Proverbs 22:24

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