Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:29, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
American Standard Version
He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
World English Bible version
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
Proverbs 14:29 Meaning & Commentary
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. – Proverbs 14:29 (ESV)
A quick and bad temper can cause much damage. We see this scripture in Proverbs 14:29 talking about the difference between someone who is slow to anger and someone who has a hasty temper or is quick to anger. This verse says that a slow-tempered person has “great understanding,” but someone with a hasty temper “exalts folly.”
Why does The Bible say that if someone is slow to anger, they have great understanding? They know and understand the dangers of acting out in anger – that is why. They understand that nothing good comes from anger and its resultant outbursts. When we are angry, we often say things we later regret. The problem with words is that they cannot be “undone” or “taken back.” Once they are released out of our mouths, the potential damage has already been done.
We may insult a loved one when angry and say mean or hurtful things. Then, once we have calmed down, we may even apologize for what we did or said. However, not only will our hurtful words (or actions) still affect those impacted by our “outburst of anger,” we have potentially released words of “death” over someone we care about: Proverbs 18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. When we have a hasty temper that we cannot control, this is when we “exalt folly.” In other words, we put stupidity on full display for all to see! Being angry can be likened to being drunk – we do things and act out in ways that we may later regret. Then, when we eventually “sober up” from our anger – we are left wondering why we did, said, or thought such stupid things!
Therefore, someone slow to anger understands all the potential damage anger can cause and takes measures to guard themselves and others against it!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:29 to our lives?
We may have a natural “tendency” towards anger and sudden outbursts of wrath. However, as believers in Christ, this is not God’s will for us to live this way – we need to know and realize this. The Bible lists the fruit of The Spirit in the New Testament. It is very much the opposite of a person with a hasty temper who cannot control themselves:
Galatians 5:22-24 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
So, we need to spend more time with The Lord and grow in fellowship with Him. As we do this, the fruit of The Spirit will grow and develop in our lives, and we will begin to walk in victory over a short, quick temper. Nonetheless, we can apply a few practical tips if we have a natural “leaning” towards a quick temper. The Bible says we can be angry, yet “sin not”: Ephesians 4:26 – Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger. So, just getting angry is not a sin – we need to understand this.
However, when we are angry, we are very prone to acting out in sin. Therefore, if we know and recognize that we are angry – the best thing is to do and say as little as possible – even nothing. If need be, we must separate ourselves from the situation –calm down and “sober up” from our anger. Once we have “sobered up,” we can address or handle the situation more effectively. However, God’s way is transformation – not just us learning to “manage” our anger. As we prioritize our relationship with Him, the fruit of The Spirit will grow in our lives, and we will walk as victors in Christ daily!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You that you do not leave me the same. I know that anger is not from you, and I desire to represent you in everything. Please forgive me, for where I have allowed myself to be ruled by anger – rather than ruling over it.
I pray and ask that as I draw near to you, you would draw near to me and give me victory over anger and a short temper. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
