Proverbs 12:16
New International Version
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.

New Living Translation
A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

English Standard Version
The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

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

King James Bible
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

New King James Version
A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame.

New American Standard Bible
A fool’s anger is known at once, But a prudent person conceals dishonor.

NASB 1995
A fool’s anger is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor.

NASB 1977
A fool’s vexation is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor.

Legacy Standard Bible
An ignorant fool’s anger is known at once, But a prudent man conceals disgrace.

Amplified Bible
The [arrogant] fool’s anger is quickly known [because he lacks self-control and common sense], But a prudent man ignores an insult.

Christian Standard Bible
A fool’s displeasure is known at once, but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A fool’s displeasure is known at once, but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.

American Standard Version
A fool's vexation is presently known; But a prudent man concealeth shame.

Contemporary English Version
Losing your temper is foolish; ignoring an insult is smart.

English Revised Version
A fool's vexation is presently known: but a prudent man concealeth shame.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When a stubborn fool is irritated, he shows it immediately, but a sensible person hides the insult.

Good News Translation
When a fool is annoyed, he quickly lets it be known. Smart people will ignore an insult.

International Standard Version
The anger of a fool becomes readily apparent, but the prudent person overlooks an insult.

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

NET Bible
A fool's annoyance is known at once, but the prudent overlooks an insult.

New Heart English Bible
A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.

Webster's Bible Translation
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

World English Bible
A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The fool—his anger is known in a day, "" And the prudent is covering shame.

Young's Literal Translation
The fool -- in a day is his anger known, And the prudent is covering shame.

Smith's Literal Translation
The foolish one in the day shall make known his anger: but the prudent one covered dishonor.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
A fool immediately sheweth his anger: but he that dissembleth injuries is wise.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The senseless immediately reveals his anger. But whoever ignores injuries is clever.

New American Bible
Fools immediately show their anger, but the shrewd conceal contempt.

New Revised Standard Version
Fools show their anger at once, but the prudent ignore an insult.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
A fool's wrath is soon known; but a prudent man hides his shame.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
A fool immediately makes his wrath known and a cunning one hides his insult.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
A fool's vexation is presently known; But a prudent man concealeth shame.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
A fool declares his wrath the same day; but a prudent man hides his own disgrace.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Loving Discipline and Knowledge
15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. 16A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. 17He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.…

Cross References
James 1:19-20
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.

Ecclesiastes 7:9
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.

Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.

Proverbs 19:11
A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

Ephesians 4:26-27
“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, / and do not give the devil a foothold.

Matthew 5:22
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.

Colossians 3:8
But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.

Romans 12:17-21
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ...

Proverbs 16:32
He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Proverbs 25:28
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Proverbs 17:27
A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.


Treasury of Scripture

A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covers shame.

fool's

Proverbs 25:28
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

1 Samuel 20:30-34
Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? …

presently or in that day

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Proverbs 16:22
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

Proverbs 17:9
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

Jump to Previous
Anger Annoyance Concealeth Conceals Covereth Covering Dishonor Fool Foolish Fool's Ignores Insult Keeps Lets Once Openly Overlooks Presently Prudent Shame Sharp Shows Trouble Vexation Wrath
Jump to Next
Anger Annoyance Concealeth Conceals Covereth Covering Dishonor Fool Foolish Fool's Ignores Insult Keeps Lets Once Openly Overlooks Presently Prudent Shame Sharp Shows Trouble Vexation Wrath
Proverbs 12
1. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge














A fool’s anger
The Hebrew word for "fool" here is "כְּסִיל" (kesil), which often refers to someone who is morally deficient or lacking in wisdom. In the context of Proverbs, a fool is not just someone who lacks intelligence, but someone who rejects the wisdom and instruction of God. The word "anger" is "עֶבְרָה" (evrah), which can also mean wrath or rage. This phrase suggests that a fool is quick to display their anger, lacking self-control and discernment. Historically, this aligns with the cultural understanding of wisdom in ancient Israel, where self-control was a valued trait.

is known at once
The phrase "is known at once" indicates immediacy and visibility. The Hebrew word "יּוֹדַע" (yoda) means to be made known or to be revealed. This suggests that a fool's anger is not hidden or restrained; it is immediately apparent to others. In the ancient Near Eastern context, public displays of emotion were often seen as a lack of decorum and wisdom. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that wisdom involves restraint and patience.

but a prudent man
The term "prudent" is translated from the Hebrew word "עָרוּם" (arum), which implies shrewdness, craftiness, or sensibility. In a positive sense, it refers to someone who is wise and discerning, able to navigate complex situations with insight. The prudent person is contrasted with the fool, highlighting the value of wisdom and understanding in the biblical tradition. This reflects the broader scriptural theme that true wisdom comes from God and is characterized by self-control and thoughtful action.

overlooks an insult
The word "overlooks" comes from the Hebrew "כָּסָה" (kasah), meaning to cover or conceal. This suggests an intentional decision to ignore or forgive an offense. The "insult" is "קָלוֹן" (kalon), which can also mean disgrace or shame. In the cultural context of the Bible, honor and shame were significant social values, and the ability to overlook an insult was seen as a mark of strength and wisdom. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, who emphasized forgiveness and turning the other cheek as expressions of godly character.

(16) A fool's 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 (Matthew 18:15).

Verse 16. - A fool's wrath is presently ("in the day," αὐθημερόν) known. 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, in the same day on which he has been incensed, makes his vexation known. A prudent man covereth - concealeth - shame; takes no notice of an affront at the moment, knowing that by resenting it he will only make matters worse, and that it is best to let passions cool before he tries to set the matter right (comp. Proverbs 20:22; Proverbs 24:29). Christ's injunction goes far beyond this maxim of worldly prudence: "I say unto you that ye resist not evil;" "Unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek, offer also the other" (Matthew 5:39; Luke 6:29); and it is certain that these maxims might be carried into practice much more than they are, even in the present state of society. Septuagint, "A clever man (πανοῦργος; callidus, Vulgate) concealeth his own disgrace." Corn. a Lapide quotes a Hebrew proverb which asserts that a man's character is accurately discerned "by purse, by cup, by anger;" i.e. by his conduct in money transactions, under the influence of wine, and in the excitement of anger.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
A fool’s
אֱוִ֗יל (’ĕ·wîl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 191: Foolish

anger
כַּעְס֑וֹ (ka‘·sōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3708: Vexation, anger

is known
יִוָּדַ֣ע (yiw·wā·ḏa‘)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

at once,
בַּ֭יּוֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

but a prudent [man]
עָרֽוּם׃ (‘ā·rūm)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6175: Crafty, shrewd, sensible

overlooks
וְכֹסֶ֖ה (wə·ḵō·seh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3680: To plump, fill up hollows, to cover

an insult.
קָל֣וֹן (qā·lō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7036: Disgrace, the pudenda


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:16 A fool shows his annoyance the same (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 12:15
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