What does Proverbs 29:22 mean?

This verse returns to the crucial danger posed by a hot temper (Proverbs 14:17; 19:19; 25:28). Uncontrolled tempers cause trouble no matter what the situation. A hot-headed church member stirs up strife in business meetings and conversations (Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10). The hot-tempered dictator fans hostility with other nations, and his own citizens (Proverbs 28:12). The person who acts in anger, without restraint, risks a sudden and tragic fate (Proverbs 29:20).

Perhaps Diotrephes, who opposed the apostle John, was hot-headed. His attitude seems consistent with a person acting in anger, not reason (3 John 1:9–10). Slander and division are associated with uncontrolled tempers: Diotrephes spoke lies about John and excommunicated those who disagreed with him. King Saul's uncontrolled wrath is seen in his attempts to kill David. On at least two occasions, he impulsively threw a spear at David (1 Samuel 18:11; 19:10). Despite realizing his feud with David was senseless (1 Samuel 24:16–21), Saul returned to hunting David out of irrational anger (1 Samuel 24:2; 26:1–25).