Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 12:16
A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent [man] covereth shame.
16. presently ] Lit. in the ( same) day. Comp. “Will they make an end in one (lit. the) day?” Neh 4:2 [Heb. 3:34]; , LXX.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The fool cannot restrain his wrath; it rushes on presently (as in the margin, on the same day, however, uselessly. The prudent man knows that to utter his indignation at reproach and shame will but lead to a fresh attack, and takes refuge in reticence.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Pro 12:16
A fools wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
Wrath as shame
The wise man here uses a very observable word, to express wrath. He calls it shame, for it is a shame for a man to suffer his reason to, be tyrannised over by an unruly passion, which spreads deformity over his countenance, and hurries him on to expressions and actions more like those of one confined in bedlam than one who is supposed to have the use of his reason. A fool disgraces himself by giving way to the impetuous sallies of passion. He discovers his temporary madness by his pale countenance, his quivering lips, and his flashing eyes. But a prudent man covereth shame. When he finds his passions beginning to ferment, he does not give them full scope, but considers whether he does well to be angry, and how far it is lawful and safe for him to give way to this turbulent passion. He does not cover his wrath, that it may have time to work, and draw the powers of reason into its service, that it may break forth with more effect on another occasion–but covers it, that he may have time to suppress and destroy it, by considering its folly and wickedness, by meditating on the example and grace of Christ, and by fervent supplications for the support and assistance of the spirit of meekness. By such means as these the prudent man preserves his own honour, and covers the shame of his neighbour, who is likely to be gained by gentleness and meekness. (G. Lawson.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 16. A fool’s wrath is presently known] We have a proverb very like this, and it will serve for illustration: –
A fool’s bolt is soon shot.
A weak-minded man has no self-government; he is easily angered, and generally speaks whatever comes first to his mind.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Is presently known, by his rash words and indecent actions, whereby he exposeth himself to shame.
Covereth shame; either,
1. The shame, or reproach, or injury done to him by others, which he concealeth and beareth with patience, and passeth by, as his duty and interest obligeth him to do. Or,
2. His own shame, to which the folly of rash anger would have betrayed him.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
16. prudent . . . shameHe isslow to denounce his insulters (Jas1:19).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
A fool’s wrath is presently known,…. Having no command of himself, he cannot repress it, nor keep it in; no sooner is he provoked but he shows it in his countenance, and by his words and actions; it is to be seen in the fire of his eyes, in the frowns of his face, in the gnashing of his teeth, and in the stamping of his feet, as well as in the bitter expressions of his mouth: or “a fool’s wrath in that day is known” b; in the same day in which the provocation is given; yea, in the same hour, and in the same moment; he cannot defer showing it for the least space of time; or it is openly known, it is to be seen and observed by everyone: or thus, “a fool is presently known by his wrath” c; see Ec 7:9;
but a prudent [man] covereth shame; conceals his anger and resentment at any injury done him by words or actions, which if suffered to break out would bring shame and disgrace to him; or he covers the injury itself, the disgraceful words that are spoken of him, and the shameful actions done unto him; he puts up with the contempt that is cast upon him, and bears it patiently; takes no notice of the offence given him, and much less seeks revenge; in which he acts a prudent part, for by so doing he creates less trouble to himself, and gains more credit and reputation from others.
b “eo die quo irritatur”, Tigurine version; “eodem die”, Junius Tremellius so Banyus, Merceras, Gejerus. c “Cognoscitur ex ira sua”, Munster.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The relations of the subject and the predicate are the same as in the preceding verse.
The fool makes known his vexation on the same day [at once],
On the contrary, the prudent man hideth the offence.
Very frequently in these proverbs the first line is only defined by the adducing of the second, or the second holds itself in the light of the first. A post-bibl. proverb says that a man is known by three things: by his (his behaviour in drinking), his (his conduct in money transactions), and his (his conduct under deep inward excitement). So here: he is a fool who, if some injury is done to him, immediately shows his vexation in a passionate manner; while, on the contrary the prudent man maintains silence as to the dishonour that is done to him, and represses his displeasure, so as not to increase his vexation to his own injury. Passionless retaliation may in certain cases be a duty of self-preservation, and may appear to be necessary for the protection of truth, but passionate self-defence is always of evil, whether the injury which is inflicted be justifiable or unjustifiable. Regarding , callidus , vid., p. 56; Schultens’ comparison of the Greek is only a conceit in want of better knowledge. Regarding (only here and at Pro 12:23) with , as (only Pro 11:27) with , vid., Ewald, 170a. signifies on the self-same day = without delay, immediately, and is well translated by the lxx . With another object, 16b is repeated in 23a.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
Note, 1. Passion is folly: A fool is known by his anger (so some read it); not but that a wise man may be angry when there is just cause for it, but then he has his anger under check and direction, is lord of his anger, whereas a fool’s anger lords it over him. He that, when he is provoked, breaks out into indecent expressions, in words or behaviour, whose passion alters his countenance, makes him outrageous, and leads him to forget himself, Nabal certainly is his name and folly is with him. A fool’s indignation is known in the day; he proclaims it openly, whatever company he is in. Or it is known in the day he is provoked; he cannot defer showing his resentments. Those that are soon angry, that are quickly put into a flame by the least spark, have not that rule which they ought to have over their own spirits. 2. Meekness is wisdom: A prudent man covers shame. (1.) He covers the passion that is in his own breast; when his spirit is stirred, and his heart hot within him, he keeps his mouth as with a bridle, and suppresses his resentments, by smothering and stifling them. Anger is shame, and, though a wise man be not perfectly free from it, yet he is ashamed of it, rebukes it, and suffers not the evil spirit to speak. (2.) He covers the provocation that is given him, the indignity that is done him, winks at it, covers it as much as may be from himself, that he may not carry his resentments of it too far. It is a kindness to ourselves, and contributes to the repose of our own minds, to extenuate and excuse the injuries and affronts that we receive, instead of aggravating them and making the worst of them, as we are apt to do.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Self Control
Verse 16 portrays the foolishness of the quick-tempered person who explodes into an abusive rage on the slightest provocation. In contrast is the prudent man who exercises self-control and ignores abusive words, Pro 9:7-8; Pro 29:11; Pro 10:12.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(16) A fools wrath is presently known.He cannot contain himself if he thinks himself slighted or injured; the prudent man, on the other hand, covereth shame, not noticing an insult at the time, but waiting for a convenient opportunity of telling the offender of his fault and bringing him to a better mind (Mat. 18:15).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
16. A fool’s wrath (vexation) is presently known Hebrew, the same day. He does not control his temper, but allows others to witness his provocation.
But a prudent man covereth shame He does not appear to recognise the contempt with which he is treated, takes no notice of a slight or insult, and suppresses the desire to retaliate. Saul, though not a very wise man, once acted on this maxim. 1Sa 10:27.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
v. 16. A fool’s wrath is presently known,
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Pro 12:16. A fool’s wrath is presently known, &c. Solomon does not approve those who disguise and conceal their resentment till they find a proper opportunity to avenge themselves; but he condemns those who have not the power to repress the first motions of their passions. They who moderate the first heat of their wrath are more likely to extinguish it wholly in future. See Calmet.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Pro 12:16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent [man] covereth shame.
Ver. 16. A fool’s wrath is presently known.] He hath no power over his passions. Hence , a fool, and , suddenly, rashly, are from the same root. Like tow, he is soon kindled; like a pot, he soon boils; and like a candle whose tallow is mixed with brine, as soon as lighted he spits up and down the room. A fool uttereth all his mind. Pro 29:11 The Septuagint render it, All his anger – . For, as the Hebrews well note in a proverb they have, A man’s mind is soon discovered, bekis, bekos, becoynos ; – in loculis, in poculis, in ira; – in his purse, in his drink, in his anger. See my “Common Place of Anger.”
But a wise man covereth shame.
a Ovid.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
is = letteth itself be.
presently = immediately, at once, the same day. Illustrations: Jehoram (2Ki 6:31); Jezebel (1Ki 19:1, 1Ki 19:2); Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 3:19); synagogue at Nazareth (Luk 4:28). covereth = concealeth.
shame = public ignominy. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), App-6, put for the affront which causes it. Illustrations: Gideon (Jdg 8:2, Jdg 8:3. Compare Pro 8:1); Hezekiah (Isa 36:21. Compare Pro 26:4); David (1Sa 17:29, 1Sa 17:30. Compare Pro 12:28); Saul (1Sa 10:27. Compare Pro 20:30-33).
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Pro 12:16
Pro 12:16
“A fools vexation is presently known; But a prudent man concealeth shame.”
“A fool is quick to show annoyance, but a shrewd man retains his retort.” “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (Jas 1:19).
Pro 12:16. A writer has said: A foolish man, if he is vexed, insulted, or slighted, has no idea of controlling himself or checking the expression of his aroused feelings; he at once….makes his vexation known. The wise man keeps a cool head and copes with the problem rather than cursing. Pro 29:11 is a companion verse: A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
fool’s: Pro 25:28, Pro 29:11, 1Sa 20:30-34, 1Ki 19:1, 1Ki 19:2
presently: Heb. in that day
but: Pro 10:12, Pro 16:22, Pro 17:9, Pro 29:11, Jam 1:19
Reciprocal: Num 22:29 – for now would Est 3:5 – full of wrath Pro 13:10 – with Pro 14:17 – that Pro 14:33 – General Pro 18:6 – fool’s Pro 19:11 – deferreth 1Pe 4:8 – for
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Pro 12:16. A fools wrath is presently known By his rash words and indecent actions, whereby he exposes himself to shame; but a prudent man covereth shame Either, 1st, The shame, reproach, or injury, done to him by others, which he conceals, and bears with patience: or, 2d, His own shame, to which the folly of rash anger would have exposed him.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
12:16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but {h} a prudent [man] covereth shame.
(h) Who bridles his affections.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
A prudent person "ignores an insult" (RSV). The insult is dishonor to himself or herself. A fool’s reaction is "like an injured animal and so his opponent knows that he has been wounded." [Note: McKane, p. 442.] A fool brings dishonor on himself and becomes vulnerable by making a big deal out of some insult that he received.