Proverbs 29:11
New International Version
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

New Living Translation
Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

English Standard Version
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Berean Standard Bible
A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.

King James Bible
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

New King James Version
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.

New American Standard Bible
A fool always loses his temper, But a wise person holds it back.

NASB 1995
A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.

NASB 1977
A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.

Legacy Standard Bible
A fool lets out all of his spirit, But a wise man holds it back.

Amplified Bible
A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger, But a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back.

Christian Standard Bible
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise person holds it in check.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man holds it in check.

American Standard Version
A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it.

Contemporary English Version
Don't be a fool and quickly lose your temper--be sensible and patient.

English Revised Version
A fool uttereth all his anger: but a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A fool expresses all his emotions, but a wise person controls them.

Good News Translation
Stupid people express their anger openly, but sensible people are patient and hold it back.

International Standard Version
The fool vents all his feelings, but the wise person keeps them to himself.

Majority Standard Bible
A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.

NET Bible
A fool lets fly with all his temper, but a wise person keeps it back.

New Heart English Bible
A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.

Webster's Bible Translation
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

World English Bible
A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
A fool brings out all his mind, "" And the wise restrains it until afterward.

Young's Literal Translation
A fool bringeth out all his mind, And the wise till afterwards restraineth it.

Smith's Literal Translation
The foolish one will bring forth all his spirit; and the wise one will restrain it back.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
A fool uttereth all his mind: a wise man deferreth, and keepeth it till afterwards.

Catholic Public Domain Version
A foolish one offers everything on his mind. A wise one reserves and defers until later.

New American Bible
Fools give vent to all their anger; but the wise, biding their time, control it.

New Revised Standard Version
A fool gives full vent to anger, but the wise quietly holds it back.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
A fool utters all his wrath; but a wise man uses his mind.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The fool expresses all his anger and the wise thinks with his mind.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
A fool spendeth all his spirit; But a wise man stilleth it within him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
A fool utters all is mind: but the wise reserves his in part.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed
10Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life. 11A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. 12If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.…

Cross References
James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 12:16
A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Romans 12:19
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 25:28
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.


Treasury of Scripture

A fool utters all his mind: but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards.

Proverbs 12:16,23
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame…

Proverbs 14:33
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

Judges 16:17
That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a rasor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.

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Afterwards Always Anger Control Fool Foolish Full Gives Holds Keepeth Loses Mind Quietly Restraineth Spendeth Spirit Stilleth Temper Uttereth Vent Wise Within Wrath
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Afterwards Always Anger Control Fool Foolish Full Gives Holds Keepeth Loses Mind Quietly Restraineth Spendeth Spirit Stilleth Temper Uttereth Vent Wise Within Wrath
Proverbs 29
1. observations of public government
15. and of private
22. Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice and corruption














A fool vents all his anger
In biblical literature, the term "fool" often refers to someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, particularly in spiritual matters. The Hebrew word used here can denote a person who is morally deficient or one who acts without considering the consequences. The act of venting anger is seen as a lack of self-control, a trait that is frequently condemned in Scripture. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, self-control was a valued virtue, and losing one's temper was considered shameful. This phrase aligns with other biblical teachings, such as in Ecclesiastes 7:9, which warns against being quick to anger, and James 1:19-20, which advises believers to be slow to anger. The fool's behavior contrasts with the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

but a wise man holds it back
Wisdom in the Bible is often associated with the fear of the Lord and the application of knowledge in a way that honors God. A wise person exercises restraint and self-control, understanding the potential harm that unchecked anger can cause. This behavior reflects a deeper trust in God's justice and timing, as seen in Proverbs 16:32, which states that one who is slow to anger is better than the mighty. The wise man's ability to hold back anger is a demonstration of strength and maturity, qualities that are exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus, though He faced many provocations, often responded with patience and composure, embodying the wisdom and self-control that this proverb commends.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and godly living are captured in the book of Proverbs.

2. Fool
In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often acting impulsively and without regard for the consequences of their actions.

3. Wise Man
Represents those who live according to God's wisdom, exercising self-control and discernment in their actions and words.
Teaching Points
The Nature of Foolishness
Foolishness is characterized by a lack of self-control and impulsive behavior. Understanding this helps us identify areas in our lives where we may act foolishly and need to seek God's wisdom.

The Value of Self-Control
Exercising self-control is a mark of wisdom. It involves holding back our immediate reactions and considering the consequences of our words and actions.

The Role of Wisdom in Anger Management
Wisdom guides us to manage our emotions, particularly anger, in a way that honors God and maintains peace in our relationships.

The Importance of Reflective Communication
Before speaking or acting in anger, take time to reflect and pray. This practice can prevent unnecessary conflict and promote understanding.

Seeking God's Guidance
Regularly seek God's guidance through prayer and scripture to cultivate wisdom and self-control in all areas of life.(11) The fool (khesil, Proverbs 1:22) uttereth all his mind.--Or, pours out all his wrath; but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards, or keepeth it back.

Verse 11. - A fool uttereth all his mind; his spirit; רוּחו, i.e. "his anger;" θυμόν, Septuagint (comp. Proverbs 16:32). The wording of the second hemistich confirms this rendering. A fool pours out his wrath, restrained by no consideration. It is a wise maxim that says, "Command your temper, lest it command you;" and again, "When passion enters in at the foregate, wisdom goes out at the postern." So we have the word attributed to Evenus Parius -

Πολλάκις ἀνθρώπων ὀργὴ νόον ἐξεκάλυψε
Κρυπτόμενον μανίας πουλὺ χερειότερον.

"Wrath often hath revealed man's hidden mind,
Than madness more pernicious."
A wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. This clause is capable of more than one explanation. The Authorized Version says that the wise man restrains his own anger till he can give it proper vent. The term בְּאָחור occurs nowhere else, and is rendered "at last," "finally," and by Delitzsch, "within," i.e. in his heart. The verb rendered "keepeth in" (shabach) is rather "to calm," "to hush," as in Psalm 65:7; Psalm 89:10, "Which stilleth the noise of the seas." So we have the meaning: The wise man calms the auger within him; according to the proverb, Irae dilatio, mentis pacatio. Or the anger calmed may be that of the fool: The wise man appeases it after it has been exhibited; he knows how to apply soothing remedies to the angry man, and in the end renders him calm and amenable to reason. This seems the most suitable explanation. Septuagint, "A wise man husbands it (ταμιεύεται) in part."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
A fool
כְסִ֑יל (ḵə·sîl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool

vents
יוֹצִ֣יא (yō·w·ṣî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his anger,
ר֭וּחוֹ (rū·ḥōw)
Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

but a wise man
וְ֝חָכָ֗ם (wə·ḥā·ḵām)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450: Wise

holds
יְשַׁבְּחֶֽנָּה׃ (yə·šab·bə·ḥen·nāh)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7623: To address in a, loud tone, loud, to pacify

it back.
בְּאָח֥וֹר (bə·’ā·ḥō·wr)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 268: The hinder part, behind, backward, the West


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all of his anger (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 29:10
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