Proverbs 12:16 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Proverbs 12:16

Comments

The RSV and ESV change the sense of the second half of the proverb by rendering the word ‘cover’ as ‘ignore’, and the word ‘shame’ as ‘insult’. The meaning is then that a prudent man does not react like the fool whose anger erupts immediately, but instead acts as if no insult had been given and does not respond; he ignores the shame coming from outside him. The KJV on the other hand translates ‘covereth shame’ allowing that the shame in mind is the prudent man’s own shame, which would attach to him if he were to respond at once like the fool. Both translations produce a good sense, but the RSV is an interpretation while the KJV sticks closer to the original. The Hebrew word translated ‘wrath’ can really include almost any kind of trouble or irritation. A fool's wrath, including irritation, is expressed at once. No hesitation, no suppression at all, whereas a prudent man covereth up his shame. What is meant here is that somebody in conversation or in interaction with another has been insulted or has given some offence and is made to feel ashamed. Somebody is put down and wronged in that way. Perhaps very forcefully contradicted in a way that is rather humiliating or degrading. Now, a fool, if troubled or irritated in conversation, or even wronged, or insulted will immediately react, whereas a wiser person will suppress that. His pride and sense of importance will not allow him to be spoken to like that, for he has no sense that it is the Lord who defends his honour. He may even enjoy the strong feelings associated with getting angry and the self-justification which it brings. But the prudent man can bear insults because he is focused on the matter under discussion. He is not going to let himself down by responding in kind, but prevents self from hitting back when he is under pressure. He covers the shame of inappropriate anger. If the prudent feels inclined to be angry, he remembers a hundred reasons why it is shameful to do so, and wisely waits till he has had time to reflect.

Application

Now, you see, this is all in the context of words. Words are not actually mentioned here but, bearing in mind it is in the block of proverbs that is about words, it helps us to rightly interpret it. If we did not bear the context in mind in our interpretation we would say, oh, this is about whether you react hastily or not. This is about whenever you are troubled or insulted, don't let fly but just control yourself. But the proverb is actually saying more than that. When you are in a discussion, or you are interacting with another person, witnessing may be, or trying to discuss a point of truth and help another, if the waters are muddied by contradiction or something like that, the last thing to do is to regard as the important matter my honour. It relates to the previous proverb.

Now the wise man will say, Look, the purpose of this conversation and interaction or witness is truth. It is not to defend my honour. If the person I am talking with unworthily or unreasonably puts me down on some small point, or some big point, I am not going to divert or chase my honour, justify myself, defend myself, react, retaliate, take verbal vengeance. That is not the issue, the issue is we were trying to clarify the truth, so I am going to keep to the point, keep cool. The fool loses sight of what the discussion was about to make a point for the truth and he is side-tracked straight away into defending his honour and reacting, and perhaps verbal vengeance. Don't let your feelings get too involved. Stick to the issue. We are bringing about the honour of the Lord, the salvation of precious souls by his mighty grace, the helping and deepening of one another, the bringing up of our children and the goal is important – the truth and the words.

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Proverbs 12:16 Commentary and Bible Study