Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
Original Language Analysis
אָ֭דָם
of a man
H120
אָ֭דָם
of a man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 8
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
הֶאֱרִ֣יךְ
deferreth
H748
הֶאֱרִ֣יךְ
deferreth
Strong's:
H748
Word #:
3 of 8
to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
אַפּ֑וֹ
his anger
H639
אַפּ֑וֹ
his anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וְ֝תִפאַרְתּ֗וֹ
and it is his glory
H8597
וְ֝תִפאַרְתּ֗וֹ
and it is his glory
Strong's:
H8597
Word #:
5 of 8
ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)
עֲבֹ֣ר
to pass over
H5674
עֲבֹ֣ר
to pass over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
6 of 8
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
Cross References
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 14:29He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.James 1:19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:Proverbs 15:18A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.Proverbs 12:16A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.Proverbs 20:3It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.Proverbs 17:14The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.Proverbs 25:21If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Historical Context
Honor cultures prized vengeance and retaliation to maintain status. Biblical wisdom radically redefines glory as merciful forbearance, anticipating gospel ethics.
Questions for Reflection
- How does deferring anger demonstrate strength rather than weakness in your relationships?
- What transgression do you need to pass over for God's glory?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Discretion defers anger, demonstrating self-control that is fruit of the Spirit. The glory in passing over transgression shows strength, not weakness—it requires greater power to forgive than retaliate. This reflects God's character in passing over sins (Romans 3:25).