A patient man has great understandingPatience is a virtue highly esteemed throughout the Bible, often associated with wisdom and discernment. In the Hebrew context, patience is linked to the ability to endure suffering or delay without becoming anxious or upset. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that values long-suffering and perseverance, as seen in the lives of figures like Job (
Job 1:21-22) and Joseph (
Genesis 50:20). The phrase suggests that patience allows one to see situations more clearly and make decisions that reflect deep understanding. This understanding is not merely intellectual but is rooted in a heart aligned with God's will, as seen in
James 1:19-20, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."
but a quick-tempered man promotes folly
In contrast, a quick-tempered individual is often impulsive, leading to actions that are foolish and destructive. The Hebrew word for "quick-tempered" implies a shortness of spirit or breath, indicating a lack of control over one's emotions. This lack of control is frequently condemned in Scripture, as seen inProverbs 16:32, which states that one who is slow to anger is better than the mighty. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on community harmony and wisdom, and a quick temper could disrupt both. The New Testament echoes this sentiment inEphesians 4:26-27, where believers are cautioned not to let anger lead to sin. The folly promoted by a quick temper can lead to broken relationships and missed opportunities for reconciliation, contrasting sharply with the peace and understanding that patience brings.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and godly living are captured in the book of Proverbs.
2.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written. Understanding the societal norms and values of ancient Israel can provide deeper insight into the text.
3.
The Wise and the FoolishThroughout Proverbs, these two archetypes are used to contrast those who live according to God's wisdom and those who do not.
Teaching Points
The Value of PatiencePatience is not merely a passive waiting but an active demonstration of understanding and wisdom. It reflects a deep trust in God's timing and purposes.
The Dangers of Quick TemperA quick temper can lead to rash decisions and actions that result in folly. It often reflects a lack of self-control and can damage relationships and reputations.
Cultivating UnderstandingUnderstanding is cultivated through a relationship with God and a commitment to learning His ways. It requires humility and a willingness to listen and learn.
Reflecting Christ's CharacterAs Christians, we are called to reflect the character of Christ, who exemplified patience and understanding. This is part of our witness to the world.
Practical Steps to PatienceEngage in regular prayer and meditation on Scripture to develop patience. Practice active listening and seek to understand before responding in situations that test your temper.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 14:29?
2.How does Proverbs 14:29 define the value of being slow to anger?
3.What are the consequences of a quick temper according to Proverbs 14:29?
4.How can we cultivate patience as advised in Proverbs 14:29?
5.Which New Testament teachings align with Proverbs 14:29 on anger management?
6.How can Proverbs 14:29 guide our reactions in daily conflicts?
7.How does Proverbs 14:29 define wisdom in relation to patience and anger?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 14:29?
9.How does Proverbs 14:29 challenge modern views on anger management?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14?
11.How can patience strengthen your faith in God's timing?
12.How can patience strengthen your faith in God's timing?
13.What does the Bible teach about managing anger?
14.What does the Bible teach about managing anger?What Does Proverbs 14:29 Mean
A patient manPatience is not passive resignation; it is deliberate restraint that leaves room for God to work.
•James 1:19 reminds us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,” showing patience as a choice, not a personality trait.
•Galatians 5:22 lists patience among the fruit of the Spirit, meaning the quality grows as we submit to Him.
•Ecclesiastes 7:9 warns, “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger lodges in the lap of fools,” highlighting that patience uproots the seedbed of anger before it sprouts.
•1 Corinthians 13:4 sets the tone: “Love is patient,” anchoring the virtue in our calling to love.
has great understandingTrue insight shows itself in composure.
•Proverbs 17:27 says, “A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.” The wise know when silence speaks loudest.
•Proverbs 19:11 adds, “A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense,” linking clear perception with measured responses.
•Proverbs 16:32 echoes, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,” revealing that self-governed emotions outshine worldly power.
•James 3:13 asks, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct,” tying wisdom to steady behavior, not sudden outbursts.
but a quick-tempered manAn uncontrolled temper is a warning light of inner disorder.
•Proverbs 15:18 notes, “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,” showing anger as a catalyst for conflict.
•Proverbs 29:22 adds, “An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression,” revealing how sin multiplies when anger rules.
•James 1:20 cautions, “Man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires,” underscoring its spiritual barrenness.
•Ephesians 4:26-27 concedes that anger will arise but commands, “Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold,” stressing swift resolution and boundaries.
promotes follyUnchecked anger seeds foolish choices that spread to others.
•Proverbs 14:17 observes, “A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,” confirming the cause-and-effect.
•Proverbs 13:16 says, “Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly,” contrasting thoughtful action with impulsive display.
•Proverbs 30:33 pictures anger escalating: “For as churning cream produces butter… so stirring anger produces strife,” illustrating how frustration, once agitated, hardens into visible damage.
•Ecclesiastes 7:9 (again) shows folly’s fruit: anger “lodges” and stays, becoming a permanent resident if unaddressed.
summarySolomon draws a straight line: patience equals wisdom, anger equals folly. The patient person trusts God’s timing, listens, and weighs responses; understanding grows and relationships flourish. The quick-tempered person reacts, inflames situations, and reaps a crop of foolishness. Walk the path of patience; it is the road where God’s wisdom meets daily life.
(29)
He that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly--i.e.,brings it into view, or shows himself highly foolish. Or it may signify, "he takes up and carries away folly as his portion," as
Proverbs 3:35 may be translated, "fools receive shame for their portion."
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 inward spirit, and as showing by exterior signs the dominant feeling. The original is very terse, "long in nostrils, great in understanding." A man's prudence and wisdom are displayed by his being slow to take offence and being patient under injury.
He that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly;i.e. flaunts it in the eyes of all men, makes plain exposure of it. Septuagint, "He who is short in temper is a mighty fool." "Passion," says an old saw, "makes fools of the wise. and shows the folly of the foolish" (comp.
Proverbs 12:23;
Proverbs 13:16). The word rendered "exalteth,"
צּצּצּ (
marim), occurs in
Proverbs 3:35, and is taken by Delitzsch and Nowack in the sense of "carries away" as the assured result. "By anger," says St. Gregory ('Moral.,' 5:78), "wisdom is parted with, so that we are left wholly in ignorance what to do, and in what order to do it.... Anger withdraws the light of understanding, while by agitating it troubles the mind."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A patient [man]אֶ֣רֶךְ(’e·reḵ)Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 750:Longhas greatרַב־(raḇ-)Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7227:Much, many, greatunderstanding,תְּבוּנָ֑ה(tə·ḇū·nāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8394:Intelligence, an argument, capricebut a quick-tempered [man]וּקְצַר־(ū·qə·ṣar-)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7116:Shortpromotesמֵרִ֥ים(mê·rîm)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7311:To be high actively, to rise, raisefolly.אִוֶּֽלֶת׃(’iw·we·leṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 200:Silliness
Links
Proverbs 14:29 NIVProverbs 14:29 NLTProverbs 14:29 ESVProverbs 14:29 NASBProverbs 14:29 KJV
Proverbs 14:29 BibleApps.comProverbs 14:29 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 14:29 Chinese BibleProverbs 14:29 French BibleProverbs 14:29 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:29 He who is slow to anger has (Prov. Pro Pr) 
