Proverbs 14:29 Commentary and Bible Study

The first picture is of a person known for his considered approach to circumstances. He does not react quickly but carefully weighs up how to act and consults his own understanding built up through long study of the word of God and the practice of obedience. The second picture is of one who seems to want to lift high his own folly for all to see. He often makes an ass of himself, so that cruel people make sport of him and enjoy baiting him to see his reaction. Both are the centre of attention but for very different reasons. The fool is a spectacle because he destroys his own self-respect and is about to be abandoned and left high and dry; his world is about to crumble. But the wise is respected because he has something which is rare, that gives him skill to navigate through the trials of this life.To act quickly in the face of provocation is to trust too much to our own judgment. The wise man knows his proneness to misjudge situations and to allow the flesh to speak. If he does so he is sure to do the wrong thing, and therefore, out of mistrust of his own reactions, he will stop and first reflect upon the facts of the case from an unbiased perspective. He will guard against resentment when personally injured. He will not instantly say, ‘This one is beyond the pale,’ making it very difficult to be reconciled later. He will seek instruction that comes from the word of God. He will want to honour God in how he responds rather than just defend himself. He will try to handle a difficult situation in a way that is honest and that edifies and helps others, and is not simply defensive or destructive.