He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Being slow to anger is a mark of great understanding, while being hasty in spirit exalts and displays folly. The principle reaches to everyday irritations as well as to serious wrongs, so that quickly taking offense, complaining, and retaliating all reveal an impatient spirit. By contrast, restraint under provocation and passing over an offense show true understanding.
Control of the spirit is therefore required, with modesty learned in speech and with bickering and contention put away. A hasty temper grieves friends and wounds the soul, and it stands opposed to the spirit of truth and holiness. The calmness commended is not merely an outward effort to hold back angry words, but comes from a real inward change of heart and from strength of principle.
Being slow to anger is a mark of great understanding, while being hasty in spirit exalts and displays folly. The principle reaches to everyday irritations as well as to serious wrongs, so that quickly taking offense, complaining, and retaliating all reveal an impatient spirit. By contrast, restraint under provocation and passing over an offense show true understanding.
Control of the spirit is therefore required, with modesty learned in speech and with bickering and contention put away. A hasty temper grieves friends and wounds the soul, and it stands opposed to the spirit of truth and holiness. The calmness commended is not merely an outward effort to hold back angry words, but comes from a real inward change of heart and from strength of principle.