Proverbs 12:16 - Exposition

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.