Proverbs 14:17
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
Original Language Analysis
קְֽצַר
He that is soon
H7116
קְֽצַר
He that is soon
Strong's:
H7116
Word #:
1 of 7
short (whether in size, number, life, strength or temper)
אַ֭פַּיִם
angry
H639
אַ֭פַּיִם
angry
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
dealeth
H6213
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
dealeth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְאִ֥ישׁ
and a man
H376
וְאִ֥ישׁ
and a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Proverbs 14:29He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.Proverbs 29:22An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.James 1:19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:Ecclesiastes 7:9Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.Proverbs 15:18A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.Proverbs 16:32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.Proverbs 22:24Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:Isaiah 32:7The instruments also of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right.Proverbs 12:16A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.Proverbs 6:18An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame cultures valued controlled emotions. Quick-tempered people caused feuds, violence, and social disruption. Conversely, those who schemed wickedly undermined communities through conspiracies and plots. Leaders needed patience (Proverbs 16:32, 19:11). Joseph exemplified refusing to scheme vengeance despite provocation (Genesis 50:20). Jesus perfectly controlled anger, expressing righteous indignation appropriately (Mark 3:5, John 2:13-17) while never sinning.
Questions for Reflection
- In what situations are you most prone to quick anger, and how can you cultivate patience and self-control?
- How does the difference between reactive foolishness and calculated wickedness help you understand different types of sin?
- What spiritual practices (prayer, Scripture meditation, accountability) help prevent both impulsive anger and premeditated evil?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb contrasts quick-tempered foolishness with calculated wickedness. "He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly" addresses reactive behavior. Qetsar-appayim ya'aseh ivvelet (קְצַר־אַפַּיִם יַעֲשֶׂה אִוֶּלֶת, short of nostrils does foolishness). Qetsar appayim (literally "short of nose/nostrils") idiomatically means quick-tempered, hot-headed. Such people ya'aseh ivvelet (יַעֲשֶׂה אִוֶּלֶת, do foolishness)—act stupidly in anger.
"And a man of wicked devices is hated" warns against calculated evil. Ve'ish mezimmot yissane (וְאִישׁ מְזִמּוֹת יִשָּׂנֵא, and a man of schemes is hated). Mezimmah (מְזִמָּה, scheme, plan, device) describes deliberate, thought-out wickedness. Such people incur hatred—from God and others.
The proverb addresses two types of wrongdoing: reactive foolishness and premeditated wickedness. Both are condemned, but differently. Quick anger produces impulsive stupidity—words and actions regretted later. James 1:19-20 warns: "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." Calculated evil is worse—deliberately planned wickedness. Proverbs 6:16-18 lists those who "devise wicked imaginations" among seven abominations. Jesus addressed anger's sinfulness (Matthew 5:22) and Satan's schemes (Ephesians 6:11). Christians must cultivate self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) and reject both reactive anger and premeditated evil.