Proverbs 12:16

Modern

A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Traditional

A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

Literal

The fool—in a day his anger is known; and a prudent one covers shame.

Latin

Fatuus statim indicat iram suam; qui autem dissimulat injuriam callidus est.

Hebrew

English

A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Staying calm helps a wise person think clearly and avoid actions that might start a fight.

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.
Proverbs 17:9
Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.
Proverbs 25:28
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.
Proverbs 14:33
Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known.
Proverbs 16:22
Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.
1 Kings 19:1–2
Now Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword.
1 Samuel 20:30–34
Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you?