Proverbs 14:29
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse uses the imagery of the "nostrils" to represent temper; being "long in the nostrils" means having great self-control and understanding, while being "short in the nostrils" signifies quick-tempered foolishness. When someone quickly loses their temper, they don't just act foolishly; they "lift up" or "exalt" folly like a banner, making their foolishness a public display for all to see.
This verse comes from a chapter packed with practical wisdom about daily life and character. It follows verses that contrast wisdom and foolishness in various social situations, and precedes verses that speak about the consequences of actions. This particular proverb stands as a direct comparison between two contrasting approaches to conflict and irritation, highlighting the wisdom of patience versus the folly of uncontrolled anger.
Ever noticed how anger can make you feel short of breath, like you're about to explode? The ancient Hebrews had a vivid image for this, and it's tied directly to wisdom.
The verse contrasts a 'slow to anger' person with one who is 'hasty of spirit.' The original Hebrew for 'slow to anger' literally paints a picture of someone with a 'long nose' (Proverbs 15:18 also uses this imagery). Think of it: when we're patient, we have room to breathe, space to think. Our 'nostrils' aren't flared in fiery rage. This isn't just about being calm; it's a sign of profound inner understanding and self-control. It shows you can manage your impulses and approach situations with clear thought, rather than being ruled by immediate emotion.
What happens when someone's temper flares up? The proverb says they 'exalt folly.' What does that visually look like?
The phrase 'exalts folly' is powerful. Imagine someone raising a flag or a banner – they are deliberately putting something on display for everyone to see. A person with a hasty temper doesn't just act foolishly; their outbursts actively advertise their foolishness. It's like they're waving a flag that says, 'Look at my lack of self-control! See my irrationality!' This isn't a hidden flaw; it's an open spectacle. It makes their folly prominent and undeniable to all observers, bringing shame and exposure rather than respect.
Understand the original words
erek appayim · Hebrew Adjective/Noun Phrase
Patience, self-control, and the ability to refrain from impulsive wrath. It is considered a mark of wisdom and spiritual maturity.
iwweleth · Hebrew Noun
Foolishness or moral lack of judgment; acting in defiance of God's wisdom. It is the antithesis of the fear of the Lord.
This verse echoes the sentiment of Proverbs, directly advising believers to 'be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,' linking a patient spirit with godly wisdom.
Ephesians 4:26Paul quotes Psalm 4:4, reminding us 'Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,' which highlights the potential for anger to lead to sin and emphasizes the need for control, mirroring the wisdom found in Proverbs.
Colossians 3:8This passage lists anger, wrath, malice, and slander as things to 'put away,' contrasting them with the new self that is renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator, reinforcing the idea that uncontrolled anger is foolish.
Galatians 5:22-23The fruit of the Spirit is described as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – all qualities that stand in direct opposition to a 'hasty temper' and are hallmarks of true understanding.
Proverbs 15:18This verse offers a direct parallel, stating 'A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is slow to anger calms a quarrel,' reinforcing the contrast between folly and understanding presented in Proverbs 14:29.
pulpitProverbs 14:29: "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly."
Verse 29. - He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding. The Hebrew expression for what the Septuagint calls μακροθυμος, "long suffering," and the Vulgate, patiens, is "long in nostrils" (Proverbs 15:18), as the contrary temper, which we had in ver. 17, is "short in nostrils." That organ, into which was breathed the breath of life (Genesis 2:7), is taken as the seat of the…
pooleProverbs 14:29: "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly."
Is of great understanding; showeth great and true wisdom in conquering his sinful and shameful passions. Exalteth, Heb. lifteth up , like a banner; makes it known and visible to all men.
The verse uses the imagery of the "nostrils" to represent temper; being "long in the nostrils" means having great self-control and understanding, while being "short in the nostrils" signifies quick-tempered foolishness. When someone quickly loses their temper, they don't just act foolishly; they "lift up" or "exalt" folly like a banner, making their foolishness a public display for all to see.
This verse comes from a chapter packed with practical wisdom about daily life and character. It follows verses that contrast wisdom and foolishness in various social situations, and precedes verses that speak about the consequences of actions. This particular proverb stands as a direct comparison between two contrasting approaches to conflict and irritation, highlighting the wisdom of patience versus the folly of uncontrolled anger.
This verse comes from a chapter packed with practical wisdom about daily life and character. It follows verses that contrast wisdom and foolishness in various social situations, and precedes verses that speak about the consequences of actions. This particular proverb stands as a direct comparison between two contrasting approaches to conflict and irritation, highlighting the wisdom of patience versus the folly of uncontrolled anger.
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"Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly." — The verse uses the imagery of the "nostrils" to represent temper; being "long in the nostrils" means having great self-control and understanding, while being "short in the nostrils" signifies quick-t…
