Proverbs 19:11
Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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True glory isn't found in swift retaliation, but in the wisdom that delays anger, allowing for thoughtful consideration. It's in overlooking an offense, a reflection of divine patience, that a person truly conquers and finds honor.
This verse is part of a collection of wisdom sayings in Proverbs that offer practical advice for living a good life. It follows teachings about diligence, honesty, and the consequences of foolishness, urging the reader to choose wisdom over rashness. Immediately after, the proverbs contrast the anger of a king with the gentleness of a servant and highlight the pain that can come from trusting foolish people.
Ever feel like your anger flares up too quickly? This verse points to a powerful connection between wisdom and self-control.
Proverbs tells us that 'good sense' (or discretion, prudence) is the key to managing anger. It's not about suppressing feelings, but about taking time to consider the situation before reacting.
What does society often praise? Quick retaliation or generous forgiveness? This verse challenges our definition of honor.
The verse doesn't just stop at restraint; it highlights the profound honor found in choosing not to retaliate when wronged.
Understand the original words
sekel · Hebrew Noun
The ability to perceive, understand, and discern truth, leading to wise action. It encompasses both intellectual comprehension and moral insight in alignment with God's will.
peshaʿ · Hebrew Noun
The state of being deeply offended or having a grievance against someone; often involves the commission of a wrong or a transgression against another person.
This passage directly parallels the idea that God's glory is found in His mercy and willingness to forgive transgressions, mirroring the verse's assertion that overlooking an offense is a person's glory.
James 1:19-20This New Testament passage echoes the wisdom of Proverbs by urging believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, highlighting that human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
Colossians 3:12-13This verse provides a profound spiritual reason for the wisdom in Proverbs, instructing believers to 'clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience' and to 'bear with each other and forgive one another,' directly connecting patience and forgiveness with overcoming offenses.
Matthew 18:21-22While not a direct parallel, the story of Peter asking Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother, and Jesus' response, emphasizes the boundless nature of forgiveness that Proverbs is advocating for, presenting it as a divine standard.
bensonProverbs 19:11: "The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression."
Proverbs 19:11 . The discretion of a man deferreth his anger — Defers the admission of anger, till he has thoroughly considered all the merits of the provocation, seen them in a true light, and weighed them in a just balance; and then defers the prosecution of it, till there be no danger of going into indecencies of speech or behaviour. Plato said to his servant, “I would beat thee i…
pulpitProverbs 19:11: "The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression."
Verse 11. - The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; maketh him slow to anger. "A merciful man is long suffering," Septuagint; "The teaching of a man is known by patience," Vulgate. (See Proverbs 14:17, 29.) The Greek moralist gives the advice - Νίκησον ὀργὴν τῷ λογίζεσθαι καλῶς"Thine anger quell by reason's timely aid." The contrary disposition betokens folly (Proverbs 14:17). I…
True glory isn't found in swift retaliation, but in the wisdom that delays anger, allowing for thoughtful consideration. It's in overlooking an offense, a reflection of divine patience, that a person truly conquers and finds honor.
This verse is part of a collection of wisdom sayings in Proverbs that offer practical advice for living a good life. It follows teachings about diligence, honesty, and the consequences of foolishness, urging the reader to choose wisdom over rashness. Immediately after, the proverbs contrast the anger of a king with the gentleness of a servant and highlight the pain that can come from trusting foolish people.
This verse is part of a collection of wisdom sayings in Proverbs that offer practical advice for living a good life. It follows teachings about diligence, honesty, and the consequences of foolishness, urging the reader to choose wisdom over rashness. Immediately after, the proverbs contrast the anger of a king with the gentleness of a servant and highlight the pain that can come from trusting foolish people.
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"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense." — True glory isn't found in swift retaliation, but in the wisdom that delays anger, allowing for thoughtful consideration. It's in overlooking an offense, a reflection of divine patience, that a person…
