Proverbs Chapter 14 · Verse 29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Original Language Analysis
אַ֭פַּיִם
to wrath
H639
אַ֭פַּיִם
to wrath
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
רַב
is of great
H7227
רַב
is of great
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
3 of 8
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
תְּבוּנָ֑ה
understanding
H8394
תְּבוּנָ֑ה
understanding
Strong's:
H8394
Word #:
4 of 8
intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice
וּקְצַר
but he that is hasty
H7116
וּקְצַר
but he that is hasty
Strong's:
H7116
Word #:
5 of 8
short (whether in size, number, life, strength or temper)
ר֝֗וּחַ
of spirit
H7307
ר֝֗וּחַ
of spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
6 of 8
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
Cross References
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 14:17He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.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 19:11The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.Proverbs 25:28He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.Numbers 12:3(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)Matthew 11:29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.Proverbs 25:8Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
Historical Context
Reflects ancient honor-shame culture where responding to insult was expected. Yet wisdom recognized that restraint demonstrated strength while quick anger demonstrated weakness and folly.
Questions for Reflection
- How quickly do you become angry, and what does this reveal about your understanding?
- How can you develop greater emotional self-control through biblical wisdom?
Analysis & Commentary
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding, but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly. Emotional self-control demonstrates wisdom; quick anger reveals folly. The 'slow to wrath' person exercises restraint through understanding. The hasty-spirited person 'exalts' (rum - lifts high, promotes) folly through uncontrolled anger. James echoes this principle (James 1:19-20). Anger management isn't merely therapeutic but reveals character - wise or foolish.