


Proverbs 14:29
Bible Versions
¶ [He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding: but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Being slow to anger goes with great understanding, being quick-tempered makes folly still worse.
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.
He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
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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:
Proverbs 14:29 offers a profound insight into the nature of wisdom and foolishness, contrasting the temperament of a truly understanding person with one who acts rashly. It emphasizes that patience and self-control are hallmarks of wisdom, while an impulsive spirit leads to folly.
Context
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of practical wisdom, offering guidance for living a righteous and successful life. It frequently uses antithetical parallelism, presenting contrasting ideas to highlight the benefits of wisdom and the pitfalls of foolishness. This verse fits seamlessly into this pattern, focusing on the internal disposition of an individual—their control over emotions, particularly anger—as a key indicator of their understanding and character. The wisdom imparted here is not merely intellectual, but deeply practical, affecting one's relationships and reputation within the community.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "slow to wrath" translates the Hebrew 'erekh appayim (אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם), which literally means "long of nostrils" or "long of face." This idiom signifies patience, forbearance, and slowness to anger. It's a characteristic often attributed to God Himself, highlighting divine patience (e.g., Nahum 1:3, Psalm 103:8). Conversely, "hasty of spirit" comes from the Hebrew qetsar ruach (קְצַר רוּחַ), meaning "short of spirit," denoting impatience, shortness of temper, or irritability. The contrast between "long" and "short" beautifully illustrates the difference between patience and impulsiveness.
Practical Application
This proverb remains highly relevant in contemporary life. In a world that often values immediate gratification and quick reactions, the call to be "slow to wrath" is a powerful reminder of the value of self-control. Cultivating patience and a thoughtful demeanor can lead to:
The verse encourages us to aspire to a character marked by patience and understanding, recognizing that genuine wisdom is demonstrated not just by what we know, but by how we respond to life's challenges.