Proverbs 19:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

NIV: A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

NASB: A person’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook an offense.

CSB: A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

NLT: Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

KJV: The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

NKJV: The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression.

There is a strong correlation between godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 8:35–36) and the ability to think before one reacts (Proverbs 18:17; 19:2). This proverb notes that it's far more honorable to ignore insults than to overreact to them. Instead of escalating a situation, the wise person defuses it by remaining calm (Proverbs 15:1). When someone is easily angered, they allow others to control them; the self-controlled person doesn't let others bait them into a fight. The need to control one's temper is a frequent subject of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 14:29; 15:18; 16:32; 19:19; 22:24; 29:11).

The apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:17: "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all." He continues by saying: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord'" (Romans 12:19). In addition, Paul advocates treating an offender kindly (Romans 12:20), and concludes, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). Instead of taking matters into one's own hand, an offended person should leave matters of vengeance to the Lord.

Proverbs 19:8–21 continues Solomon's observations about wisdom and foolishness, a king's wrath, household turmoil, and human plans as compared to divine sovereignty. A theme of these proverbs is the danger of ignoring godly wisdom, while placing too much reliance on one's own ability. A wise person is prudent, diligent, and honest. At the same time, wisdom means realizing that not all plans work out.

Several themes are associated with these statements. Among them are the idea that personal integrity is worth much more than earthly wealth or success. Solomon discusses the unfortunate habit of favoring the rich and dismissing the poor, while commending those who care for the unfortunate. Many references are made to the consequences of foolish behavior, including the shame and punishment such things can bring.

This series of proverbs is part of Solomon's writing on wisdom (Proverbs 10:1), a long chain continuing into chapter 22. As do other segments, this speaks on the harsh realities of poverty, the need for integrity, the dangers of laziness, the value of loving discipline, and the consequences of acting foolishly.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.