14:28 14:28

Proverbs 14:29

14:30 14:30

Bible Versions

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

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

  • Self-Control and Patience: The phrase "slow to wrath" speaks to the virtue of patience and the ability to control one's temper and immediate reactions. This restraint is presented as a sign of deep understanding and maturity. It suggests a deliberate pause before responding, allowing for thoughtful consideration rather than impulsive outburst.
  • Wisdom and Understanding: The verse directly links being "slow to wrath" with possessing "great understanding." A person who can master their emotions demonstrates a deeper grasp of situations, people, and consequences. They understand that anger often clouds judgment and leads to regrettable actions. This understanding reflects spiritual and practical discernment.
  • Rashness and Folly: In stark contrast, "he that is hasty of spirit" refers to someone who is quick to anger, impatient, or impulsive. Such an individual, the verse states, "exalteth folly." This means their rash behavior publicly displays and elevates foolishness, bringing negative consequences upon themselves and potentially others. Their lack of self-control is a public declaration of their lack of wisdom.

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:

  • Improved Relationships: Avoiding hasty anger prevents hurtful words and actions that damage friendships, family ties, and professional connections. Proverbs 15:18 also speaks to how a hot-tempered person stirs up conflict.
  • Better Decision-Making: A calm mind is capable of clearer thought, leading to more rational and effective decisions, rather than those driven by raw emotion.
  • Greater Personal Peace: Learning to manage one's anger contributes to inner tranquility and reduces stress.
  • Enhanced Reputation: Those who are known for their calm and thoughtful responses are often respected and trusted, while those who are "hasty of spirit" are seen as unreliable and foolish.

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.

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.

  • 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:
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