Proverbs 29:11 kjv
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Proverbs 29:11 nkjv
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.
Proverbs 29:11 niv
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
Proverbs 29:11 esv
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
Proverbs 29:11 nlt
Fools vent their anger,
but the wise quietly hold it back.
Proverbs 29 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Pr 12:16 | The vexation of a fool is known at once... | A fool's anger is immediately obvious. |
| Pr 14:17 | A quick-tempered man acts foolishly... | Hasty temper leads to foolish behavior. |
| Pr 14:29 | Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding... | Patience in anger signifies wisdom. |
| Pr 15:1 | A soft answer turns away wrath... | Gentle words de-escalate anger. |
| Pr 15:18 | A hot-tempered man stirs up strife... | Uncontrolled anger incites conflict. |
| Pr 16:32 | Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty... | Self-control over anger is greater than power. |
| Pr 17:27 | Whoever restrains his words has knowledge... | Self-restraint in speech is a mark of knowledge. |
| Pr 17:28 | Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise... | Silence can mask foolishness, implying self-control. |
| Pr 19:11 | Good sense makes one slow to anger... | Understanding leads to patience and slow anger. |
| Pr 21:23 | Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. | Guarding words prevents self-harm and difficulty. |
| Pr 25:28 | A man without self-control is like a city broken into... | Lack of self-control leaves one vulnerable. |
| Pr 29:20 | Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. | Hastiness in speech is worse than a fool's state. |
| Eccl 7:9 | Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools. | Anger quickly settles in a foolish person. |
| Matt 5:22 | But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother... | Christ's teaching on the sin of inner anger. |
| Eph 4:26-27 | Be angry and do not sin... give no opportunity to the devil. | Anger must be controlled to avoid sin and spiritual attack. |
| Col 3:8 | But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice... | Believers are called to shed uncontrolled emotions. |
| Tit 2:6 | Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. | Admonition for self-control, particularly in young men. |
| Jas 1:19-20 | ...let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. | Prudence includes listening more, speaking less, and restraining anger, which obstructs divine righteousness. |
| Jas 3:5-6 | So also the tongue is a small member... defiles the whole body... | The tongue, if uncontrolled, causes great destruction. |
| Gal 5:23 | ...self-control; against such things there is no law. | Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, reflecting divine character. |
| 2 Tim 3:3 | ...unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control... | Lack of self-control is a characteristic of ungodliness. |
| 2 Pet 1:6 | ...and in your knowledge, self-control... | Self-control is a key virtue in spiritual growth. |
| Ps 37:8 | Refrain from anger and forsake wrath! | An instruction to actively abstain from anger. |
Proverbs 29 verses
Proverbs 29 11 Meaning
Proverbs 29:11 states a profound contrast between the character and actions of a fool and a wise person concerning emotional restraint. A fool gives unrestrained expression to inner turmoil and anger, publicly displaying every emotion without thought or control. Conversely, a wise individual understands the importance of managing their internal spirit or anger, carefully holding it back and exercising prudence. This verse emphasizes self-control as a hallmark of wisdom and discretion.
Proverbs 29 11 Context
Proverbs 29, often attributed to Solomon, continues the wisdom tradition, contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked, wise and foolish. It speaks of the consequences of actions, particularly those of leaders and the impact of discipline on children. Verse 11 specifically highlights self-governance. It serves as a direct counsel on how individuals should manage their inner emotional states, especially anger, in interpersonal and communal settings. This instruction fits into the larger Proverbs framework, where wisdom dictates prudence and self-restraint in all aspects of life, recognizing that uncontrolled passions lead to conflict and downfall, while calm deliberation fosters peace and success. Historically, in ancient Near Eastern societies, emotional outbursts could signify power or resolve, but Proverbs consistently challenges such a view, portraying them as weaknesses that stem from folly.
Proverbs 29 11 Word analysis
A fool (אֱוִיל - ʾĕwîl): Not merely unintelligent, but morally obstinate, defiant, and unreceptive to instruction. This type of "fool" often acts with arrogance and rashness, particularly in displaying emotions. It refers to someone who lacks moral discernment and rejects divine wisdom.
Gives full vent to (יוֹצִיא - yôtsîʾ): The Hebrew literally means "brings out" or "lets out." In this context, it signifies an uncontrolled, unrestrained, and often complete pouring out of one's inner disposition. It implies a public and unrestrained display without thought of consequence or appropriateness.
His spirit (רוּחוֹ - rûḥô): While ruach can mean "spirit" or "wind," in this context, combined with "giving full vent," it overwhelmingly refers to one's temper, passion, or anger. It denotes the raw emotional energy or inner disposition, specifically negative ones like wrath.
But (וְ - ve): A strong contrastive conjunction, emphasizing the stark difference between the two behaviors.
A wise man (חָכָם - ḥāḵām): Someone who lives according to divine wisdom, characterized by discernment, prudence, self-control, and skillful living. They understand the principles of righteous living and apply them practically.
Quietly holds it back (שׁוֹבְחָהּ - shōvkhāh): From the root meaning "to settle," "to calm," "to soothe," or "to restrain." It implies active, conscious suppression or containment of emotions. This is not repression, but a disciplined mastery over one's spirit, exercising discretion.
A fool gives full vent to his spirit: This phrase depicts an explosive personality, prone to emotional outbursts. The "fool" lacks internal controls, allowing inner passion (especially anger or indignation) to burst forth unhindered. This unrestrained display can damage relationships, reputation, and situations.
But a wise man quietly holds it back: This phrase describes measured restraint. The "wise man" possesses internal discipline. He understands the destructive power of uncontrolled emotions and chooses to moderate, calm, and contain his spirit, revealing wisdom and self-mastery. The word "quietly" (or "calms it" in some interpretations) suggests a deliberate, composed action rather than a hurried reaction.
Proverbs 29 11 Bonus section
The concept of ruach (spirit/anger) needing to be restrained carries significant theological weight. It touches on the biblical understanding of humanity as embodied spirits with a fallen nature prone to unrighteous anger, contrasted with the call to live by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:16-25), who enables self-control. The wise person's restraint isn't merely a psychological tactic but an act of spiritual discipline, aligning with God's character of patience and slow-to-anger nature. This wisdom reflects walking in congruence with divine principles, understanding that anger can indeed be righteous (Eph 4:26) but is more often corrupted by human sin, hence the necessity for diligent self-control.
Proverbs 29 11 Commentary
Proverbs 29:11 sharply delineates wisdom from folly through the lens of emotional management. A fool's character is marked by the spontaneous and uncontrolled eruption of their temper or emotional state. This unchecked venting is a sign of immaturity and a lack of self-awareness regarding the destructive impact of their emotions. Such behavior is not merely socially awkward but reveals a fundamental rejection of the disciplined path of wisdom. In stark contrast, a wise person understands that true strength lies not in immediate expression but in self-mastery. They consciously choose to restrain their passions, reflecting prudence and a discerning mind that considers consequences and values peace. This verse serves as a timeless call to cultivate inner calm and measured response, asserting that the control of one's spirit is a greater accomplishment than conquering cities, fostering peace and stability both personally and within the community.