Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:16, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
American Standard Version
A fool's vexation is presently known; But a prudent man concealeth shame.
World English Bible version
A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
Proverbs 12:16 Meaning & Commentary
The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. Proverbs 12:16 (ESV)
One of the hardest things in life is not to respond to negativity, injustice, or insult. Yet, this verse in Proverbs tells us how a fool and a prudent person react differently to an insult.
The Bible says that the vexation of a fool is known at once. This means that when a fool is insulted or faces some vexation – he immediately “makes it known.” The word “vexation” can also be translated as irritation, affliction, or troubling. In other words, when a fool is irritated, afflicted, troubled, and frustrated – they will immediately vent their frustrations.
We see elsewhere in Proverbs confirmation of this: Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. This verse says that a fool gives full vent to his spirit – in other words, they cannot hold back their irritation, frustration, or anger – they burst out whatever is inside them! A prudent person ignores or overlooks an insult – in other words; they can control their spirit and emotions: Proverbs 16:32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Ruling our spirit is the opposite of giving our spirit full vent. It is the ability to control our emotions and spirit, rather than being mastered by them! A prudent person will think about their actions and steps before they act: Proverbs 14:15 The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
When faced with an insult or something which troubles us, we should respond with a soft answer, which will turn away wrath: Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs anger. If we can control our spirit and emotions, we can overlook an insult and even diffuse volatile situations we may encounter!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:16 to our lives?
The teaching of Proverbs 12:16 is really about self-control. Self-control is a fruit of the spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
How is fruit developed? It is developed by spending time with Jesus and becoming more like Him. An apple tree does not need to try hard to grow apples – it just happens!
Likewise, when we spend time with God and prioritize our relationship with Him, we will begin to grow in the fruit of The Spirit. A good rule of thumb is to keep quiet if we have nothing good to say!
King David prayed in Psalms that God will help him keep his heart pure and that he would only speak words pleasing in the sight of God – we too can and should pray the same prayer: Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
The words we speak reflect what is in our hearts: Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If our hearts are pure before God, our speech will also be pure before God.
As we draw close to God and meditate on His Word, we will find our hearts being changed and transformed into the image of Christ. As this happens and we become more and more Christ-like, we will be able to ignore any insults that come our way and walk in the Love of God.
We will become people who can control our emotions and rule well over our spirits!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the power of Your Word, which brings transformation into my life. Help me control my spirit and emotions so that I can reflect you with my words and my actions.
As King David prayed, so I ask that the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart will be pleasing and acceptable in Your sight. I commit my life to you today in every area. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
