Proverbs 19:11 kjv

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

Proverbs 19:11 nkjv

The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression.

Proverbs 19:11 niv

A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 19:11 esv

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 19:11 nlt

Sensible people control their temper;
they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

Proverbs 19 verses

Proverbs 19 11 Meaning

The discretion, or good sense and insight, of a person enables them to control their temper and remain calm in the face of provocation. Furthermore, it is a mark of true honor and nobility for a person to choose to forgive or overlook a personal wrong committed against them, rather than retaliate or demand strict justice.

Proverbs 19 11 Context

Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature, providing practical advice for righteous living derived from observing life through a divine lens. Chapter 19 is part of a collection of Solomonic proverbs (chapters 10-22:16) offering pithy, memorable statements often in contrasting couplets. This verse is nestled among sayings that commend diligent work, justice, the fear of the Lord, and wisdom, while cautioning against slothfulness, dishonesty, and quick temper. The counsel to be slow to anger and overlook transgressions addresses core issues of human relationships and self-governance within an honor-shame cultural context, where retaliation for offenses might be seen as strengthening one's standing. However, the proverb asserts that true honor and glory come from a higher wisdom that chooses peace and reconciliation over vengeance.

Proverbs 19 11 Word analysis

• The discretion (שׂכל - śekel): Refers to wisdom, understanding, insight, prudence, or good sense. It's not merely intelligence but practical understanding that discerns right from wrong and chooses the most appropriate course of action, often leading to success. This term implies the application of knowledge for sound judgment and effective conduct. It is the ability to apply wisdom.
• of a man (אָדָם - ʾāḏām): Generic term for a human being or mankind. The wisdom applies to anyone who cultivates it.
• makes him slow to anger (אֹרֶךְ אַפַּיִם - ʾōreḵ ʾappayim): Literally means "length of nostrils" or "long of nose." In Hebrew idiom, the nose/nostrils (ʾap) were associated with anger (as the nostrils flare with rage). Thus, "long of nose" signifies patience and restraint from a quick outburst of temper; it denotes being "longsuffering." This attribute is often ascribed to God Himself, making its practice by humans a reflection of divine character.
• and it is his glory (וְתִפְאַרְתּוֹ - wəṯip̄ʾarttô): From tifʾeret, meaning splendor, beauty, honor, or adornment. This word conveys that exercising this particular quality (overlooking a transgression) brings true honor, dignity, and admiration to a person, distinguishing them. It is not perceived as weakness, but as a mark of genuine greatness and a praiseworthy virtue.
• to overlook (עָבַר - ʿāḇar): The primary meaning is "to pass over" or "to cross over." In this context, it implies passing over an offense, choosing to ignore it, letting it go, or refraining from bringing it up for retribution. It's an active decision not to take offense or demand payment for a wrong, leading to forgiveness rather than insisting on justice for every personal slight.
• a transgression (פּשׁע - pešaʿ): Refers to rebellion, revolt, sin, or trespass. It's a strong word for an offense, often implying a deliberate breach of trust, an act of rebellion against an authority, or a serious wrong. Overlooking peshaʿ is a profound act of grace, demonstrating deep wisdom and love.

• "The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger": This phrase links practical wisdom directly to emotional self-control. True insight doesn't merely inform the mind but governs the passions, specifically tempering impulsive anger. This "longsuffering" quality, as noted, mirrors a core attribute of God, making it a highly commendable human trait.
• "and it is his glory to overlook a transgression": This segment highlights the profound honor associated with forgiveness. In cultures where retribution might be expected, deliberately choosing to "pass over" a wrong—even a serious "transgression"—elevates a person above conventional reactions. It speaks to a nobility of spirit that values peace and reconciliation over personal satisfaction or retaliatory justice for personal slights, especially when such a choice demonstrates strength, not weakness. This glory comes not from asserting power, but from exercising gracious restraint.

Proverbs 19 11 Bonus section

The proverb's emphasis on śekel leading to ʾōreḵ ʾappayim positions inner spiritual wisdom as the source of external behavioral control. This concept resonates throughout the wisdom literature, where true understanding (like God's own character) is always pragmatic and life-giving. The "glory" here is paradoxical from a worldly viewpoint. While the world often values vengeance or the swift assertion of rights, the divine wisdom presented here elevates the path of gracious non-retaliation. This isn't weakness but an intentional demonstration of moral strength and a higher commitment to peace. It aligns with the idea of embodying God's character; when humans display qualities like patience and forgiveness, they reflect the image of their Creator, who is preeminently slow to anger and abounds in mercy, making their actions truly glorious in God's sight.

Proverbs 19 11 Commentary

Proverbs 19:11 beautifully encapsulates two vital aspects of practical wisdom: emotional self-mastery and the grace of forgiveness. A person endowed with sekel (discretion, applied intelligence) is inherently "slow to anger," a virtue consistently extolled in Scripture as a sign of understanding and strength, rather than weakness. This "longsuffering" (literally "long of nose") character directly reflects an attribute of God Himself (Exod 34:6), underscoring its divine origin and excellence. Such self-control preserves inner peace and fosters healthy relationships, preventing unnecessary conflict.

Furthermore, the verse asserts that true "glory" lies in choosing to "overlook a transgression." This is not about condoning sin or ignoring justice where necessary (e.g., in a societal legal context) but refers to personal offenses, acts of forgiveness for wrongs committed against oneself. To pass over peshaʿ—a significant rebellion or trespass—demonstrates a magnanimity of spirit that chooses reconciliation and healing over resentment and retribution. This act requires immense strength, humility, and love, aligning perfectly with New Testament teachings on forgiveness (Matt 6:14-15; Col 3:13). It showcases a character focused on restoration rather than personal vindication, finding true honor in the compassionate exercise of mercy. It implies a secure self-worth that does not require others' errors to be cataloged or avenged for one's own sense of righteousness or position.

Practical examples:

• Instead of erupting when a family member makes a hurtful remark, exercising discretion by taking a deep breath and choosing a calm, measured response.
• When a colleague unintentionally slighting you, deciding to address it charitably or let it go, rather than harboring resentment or seeking an opportunity for petty revenge.
• In daily life, overlooking minor annoyances or clumsy mistakes from others, rather than allowing them to fester into frustration.