Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:17, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
American Standard Version
He that is soon angry will deal foolishly; And a man of wicked devices is hated.
World English Bible version
He who is quick to become angry will commit folly, and a crafty man is hated.
Proverbs 14:17 Meaning & Commentary
A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated. Proverbs 14:17 (ESV)
A quick-tempered and angry person is not usually prone to making good decisions. The Bible lists “fits of anger” as a work of the flesh: Galatians 5:19-21 – Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Also, The Bible tells us to “be angry, but not to sin”: Ephesians 4:26 – Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger. Sometimes we cannot help feeling angry; however, when we get angry, we are prone to acting out that anger in foolish ways. There are several ways this can create problems in our life. When we are mad at someone or something, we risk acting out in that anger and damaging relationships or even our reputation.
Additionally, when we lose our temper – we may be tempted to make foolish decisions that may not be well thought out. We may have seen this in the workplace before – someone gets angry and upset and walks out, losing their job in the process. This is very foolish, and the better way to handle things is to calm down so that we can think clearly – then make the decisions we need to.
The second part of Proverbs 14:17 says that “a man of evil devices is hated.” Take, for example, a thief who steals from others; this person will not want to be stolen from themselves. So, some people rejoice in doing evil – but no one rejoices in evil being done to them. People do evil as long as it benefits them, but no one willfully entertains evil being done to them!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:17 to our lives?
The ability to remain cool and calm is an incredible attribute, which not many people can do effectively: 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. The ability to be “slow to anger” and to “rule our spirit” is equated to a mighty person and someone who takes (or conquers) a city.
By controlling our emotions, we empower ourselves to conquer every circumstance and even others who may want to bring us down. We know that the fruit of the spirit describes the opposite of a short-tempered and foolish person: 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 do we develop the fruit of the spirit, though? We spend time with God, stay connected to Him, and grow in our walk with Him. As we do this, the fruit naturally develops in our lives. Think of an apple tree – it does not need to “try hard” to produce apples; they just come naturally. Likewise, as we stay connected to Christ, the fruit in our lives grows by itself: John 15:5 – I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Additionally, if we get angry, we must remember that it is not a good time to speak out, make decisions, or “express our feelings.” It is better to let our anger subside and then make decisions with a clear mind. Furthermore, The Bible commands us to not only not participate in evil – but to avoid even the appearance of evil – anything which even has any trace of evil at all: 1 Thessalonians 5:22 – Abstain from every form of evil. To honor God with our lives, we need to turn aside from anything which even looks like it has any appearance of evil whatsoever!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I ask forgiveness where I may have acted in anger at any time. As I draw closer to You, I thank You that Your fruit will grow in my life, and I will be able to control my temper and emotions.
Help me avoid even the slightest appearance of evil in my life. I desire to honor You with my life. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
