Proverbs 14:29 kjv

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

Proverbs 14:29 nkjv

He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly.

Proverbs 14:29 niv

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

Proverbs 14:29 esv

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

Proverbs 14:29 nlt

People with understanding control their anger;
a hot temper shows great foolishness.

Proverbs 14 verses

Proverbs 14 29 Meaning

Proverbs 14:29 conveys that patience and self-control are marks of true understanding, while an impulsive or quick temper is characteristic of foolishness. The verse establishes a direct link between one's emotional disposition and their inherent wisdom or lack thereof. A person who demonstrates a calm and measured response in the face of provocation reveals deep insight, whereas someone easily angered quickly exposes and even elevates their own folly through their rash actions or words.

Proverbs 14 29 Context

Proverbs 14:29 fits within a chapter that frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, highlighting their distinct characteristics, paths, and ultimate outcomes. Chapter 14 emphasizes practical wisdom for daily life, touching on themes such as honesty, diligence, justice, and the effects of one's words and actions. This specific verse zeroes in on emotional control as a crucial indicator of a person's level of discernment or lack thereof.

The book of Proverbs, as a whole, is a collection of ancient Israelite wisdom literature, instructing individuals in the "fear of the Lord" which is presented as the beginning of all true wisdom. It contrasts "wisdom" (Hokhmah) which is practical skill in godly living, with "folly" (Ivvelet), representing irrational, irresponsible, and immoral behavior. The historical and cultural context values self-control, particularly in leadership and communal relations, where impulsive anger could lead to devastating feuds or injustices. Patience and thoughtful consideration were highly esteemed virtues for maintaining order and prosperity within families and society. This verse can also be seen as indirectly promoting a character quality mirroring God's own patience, a divine attribute described elsewhere in Scripture.

Proverbs 14 29 Word analysis

• Whoever is slow to anger:

  • אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם (Erekh appayim): Literally translates to "long of nostrils" or "long of face." This is a Hebrew idiom denoting patience, slowness to wrath, and enduring temperament. Anger was often associated with flared nostrils and heavy breathing. To have "long nostrils" implies a measured, restrained disposition that is not easily provoked or rushed into anger. This attribute is most notably used to describe God's character (Exod 34:6). For humans, it signifies a person with self-control, reflective thought, and emotional maturity.

• has great understanding:

  • רַב תְּבוּנָה (rav tevunah): Means "much understanding," "ample discernment," or "abundant insight." "Tevunah" refers to discerning wisdom, intelligent insight, or skill in making judgments. The verse directly links a calm temperament with superior cognitive and spiritual insight. Patience allows for clearer thought, enabling one to see situations more objectively, avoid rash decisions, and understand deeper implications. It implies a person who processes information thoughtfully before reacting emotionally.

• but he who has a hasty temper:

  • קְצַר רוּחַ (qetzar ruach): Literally "short of spirit." This idiom stands in stark contrast to "long of nostrils." It implies a quick, impatient, or irritable spirit, easily provoked to anger or frustration. "Ruach" here refers to one's spirit, disposition, or breath. A "short spirit" is akin to having no breath or capacity to endure; it signifies a lack of self-control and resilience in the face of challenges, leading to immediate, often unthought-out, reactions.

• exalts folly:

  • מֵרִים אִוֶּלֶת (merim ivvelet): "Merim" means "lifts up," "raises," or "promotes." "Ivvelet" means "folly," "foolishness," or "senseless behavior." The hot-tempered person does not just possess folly, but their behavior actively exposes, highlights, or makes manifest their foolishness. Their quick, uncontrolled anger causes them to speak or act in ways that are overtly irrational, unwise, and often destructive, thereby displaying or promoting their inherent lack of wisdom for all to see.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding": This phrase highlights wisdom not as mere intellectual knowledge, but as practical wisdom rooted in character and self-control. It suggests that a person's capacity for emotional regulation is a direct reflection of their depth of discernment and insight.
  • "but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly": This contrasting phrase underscores the detrimental impact of unchecked emotions. It conveys that uncontrolled anger leads to actions and words that unmistakably reveal one's foolishness, thereby damaging one's reputation and hindering sound judgment. The actions of the short-tempered person do not merely betray folly but actively make it prominent, making the foolishness of their choices very obvious.

Proverbs 14 29 Bonus section

• The idiom "slow to anger" being attributed to God Himself (Exod 34:6) provides a high standard for human conduct. It elevates human patience from mere social grace to a spiritual virtue, encouraging believers to cultivate a character trait that reflects their Creator.
• The "spirit" (ruach) in "short of spirit" can sometimes have theological connotations, pointing towards an internal state or disposition that might also be influenced by spiritual health. A "short spirit" can suggest a weakness in the inner being that struggles with fortitude and resilience.
• This Proverb subtly counters the ancient world's tendencies towards honor cultures, where immediate and aggressive retaliation for perceived insults or wrongs was sometimes seen as a sign of strength. Proverbs insists that true strength and honor lie in self-control and a wise, patient disposition, not in unchecked fury.
• The verse implies that anger itself is not necessarily sin, but rather the haste to anger, the lack of control over one's spirit. Righteous anger, directed at injustice without losing control, is a different concept not in view here. The emphasis is on the individual's inherent disposition to quick provocation and uncontrolled outbursts.

Proverbs 14 29 Commentary

Proverbs 14:29 presents a powerful antithetical parallelism, contrasting the characteristics and outcomes of two distinct types of individuals: the patient and the impulsive. The "slow to anger" person embodies wisdom, not just as an intellectual faculty, but as a practical disposition that manages emotions and engages in thoughtful decision-making. This individual mirrors a divine quality, showing self-restraint and insight even under duress, leading to peace and discernment.

Conversely, the "hasty temper" immediately exposes and elevates folly. Impatience and a quick temper lead to rash words and regrettable actions, which are direct manifestations of foolishness. Such behavior can alienate others, create strife, and damage reputation, proving a lack of practical wisdom and self-control. The verse therefore teaches that mastering one's emotions, particularly anger, is a cornerstone of living wisely and reflects a deep understanding of life's true values, in stark contrast to the destructive display of folly inherent in a quick temper.

For example, a person responding to criticism with patient consideration and reflection exhibits wisdom and fosters deeper understanding, whereas someone who immediately lashes out with angry words, in the same situation, makes their own lack of judgment obvious to all.