Proverbs 12:16

A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. A FOOL'S WRATH IS PRESENTLY (HEBREW, IN THAT VERY DAY; ) KNOWN: BUT A PRUDENT MAN COVERETH SHAME - namely, the shame or insult put upon him by others. "Covereth," with the mantle of patience and charity, instead of exasperating himself, and losing self-control like "a fool," by dwelling on the indignity of the word or deed, and the worthlessness of the injurer. He did not publish the act, to the discredit of the other, but consults for the reputation of the other lest he should add sin to the injury suffered....

Verse Proverbs 12:16. _A FOOL'S WRATH IS PRESENTLY KNOWN_] We have a proverb very like this, and it will serve for illustration: - _A fool's bolt is soon shot._ A weak-minded man has no _self-government_; he is easily angered, and generally speaks whatever comes first to his mind....

The “fool” cannot restrain his wrath; it rushes on “presently” (as in the margin, on the same day, however, uselessly. The prudent man knows that to utter his indignation at reproach and shame will but lead to a fresh attack, and takes refuge in reticence....

EXPOSITION PROVERBS 12:1 INSTRUCTION; correction, discipline, which shows a man his faults, gives him a lowly opinion of himself, and opens his mind to receive _knowledge, _especially the knowledge of himself and of all moral obligations. IS BRUTISH; is as insensible to higher aspirations, to regret for the past or hope of amendment, as a brute beast (comp. Proverbs 30:2). On this point St. Augustine is quoted: "Quicumque corripi non vis, ex eo sane corripiendus es quia corripi non vis. Non vis enim tua tibi vitia demonstrari; non vis ut feriantur, fiatque tibi utilis dolor, quo medicum quaeras; non vis tibi tu ipse ostendi, ut cum deformem te vides, reformaturum desideres, eique supplices ne in illa remaneas foeditate

A FOOL'S WRATH IS PRESENTLY KNOWN,.... Having no command of himself, he cannot repress it, nor keep it in; no sooner is he provoked but he shows it in his countenance, and by his words and actions; it is to be seen in the fire of his eyes, in the frowns of his face, in the gnashing of his teeth, and in the stamping of his feet, as well as in the bitter expressions of his mouth: or "a fool's wrath in that day is known" b; in the same day in which the provocation is given; yea, in the same hour, and in the same moment; he cannot defer showing it for the least space of time; or it is openly known, it is to be seen and observed by everyone: or thus, "a fool is presently known by his wrath" c; see Ecclesiastes 7:9; BUT A PRUDENT [MAN] COVERETH SHAME; conceals his anger and resentment at any injury done him by words or actions, which if suffered to break out would bring s

CHAPTER 12 THE CONTRAST IN RELATION TO VARIOUS CONDITIONS In these proverbs we have the righteous mentioned, his thoughts, his words, his domestic relationship, his attitude toward animal creation Proverbs 12:10); his diligence; all is contrasted with the wicked in these beautiful antithetic expressions of wisdom. The thoughts of the righteous are right Proverbs 12:5), because his heart is right; his words bring deliverance Proverbs 12:6); in speaking truth he showeth forth righteousness Proverbs 12:17); his tongue is health Proverbs 12:1

PROVERBS 12. Here we have a number of proverbs handling the favourite subject of retribution (Proverbs 12:2 f., Proverbs 12:7; Proverbs 12:14; Proverbs 12:21; Proverbs 12:28). Several deal with speech (Proverbs 12:6; Proverbs 12:13; Proverbs 12:16;...

IS. letteth itself be. PRESENTLY. immediately, at once, the same day. Illustrations: Jehoram (2 Kings 6:31); Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1; 1 Kings 19:2); Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:19); synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:28). covereth. concealeth. SHAME. public ignominy. Figure of speech _Metonymy_ (of Effect), App-6, put for the affront which causes it. Illustrations: Gideon (Judges 8:2; Judges 8:3

_presently_ Lit. IN THE (_same_) DAY. Comp. "Will they make an end in one (lit. THE) day?" Nehemiah 4:2 [Heb. 3:34]; αὐθημερόν, LXX....

A FOOL'S WRATH IS PRESENTLY KNOWN, &C.— Solomon does not approve those who disguise and conceal their resentment till they find a proper opportunity to avenge themselves; but he condemns those who have not the power to repress the first motions of their passions. They who moderate the first heat of their wrath are more likely to extinguish it wholly in future. See Calmet....