Proverbs Chapter 14 · Verse 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?
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.