Proverbs 14:29

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
– Proverbs 14:29

Being slow to wrath is a mark of wisdom as self-control (James 3:17; Proverbs 16:32). Here the man is of great understanding, or intelligence. The phrase hasty of spirit means short of breath. It indicates one who is impatient and rash in words and actions. Such a man lacks self-control and particularly over his anger. This is a mark of folly, or lack of wisdom (Proverbs 14:17; 25:28; Ecclesiastes 7:9). The word for exalteth means to raise up and it here refers to a public display. Elsewhere, Solomon noted that fools promote shame (Proverbs 3:35). This proverb is one place that links patience with wisdom, so the implication is to grow in patience we must grow in wisdom.

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