Proverbs 14:17
Proverbs 14:17 in Multiple Translations
A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated.
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
He that is soon angry will deal foolishly; And a man of wicked devices is hated.
He who is quickly angry will do what is foolish, but the man of good sense will have quiet.
Quick-tempered people act foolishly, while people who make evil plans are hated.
He that is hastie to anger, committeth follie, and a busie body is hated.
Whoso is short of temper doth folly, And a man of wicked devices is hated.
He who is quick to become angry will commit folly, and a crafty man is hated.
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
The impatient man shall work folly: and the crafty man is hateful.
Those who quickly become angry [IDM] do foolish things; people hate those who plan to do wicked things (OR, those who have good sense remain calm/patient).
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 14:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קְֽצַר
אַ֭פַּיִם
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
אִוֶּ֑לֶת
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
מְ֝זִמּ֗וֹת
יִשָּׂנֵֽא
קְֽצַר
qâtsêr
H7116
short
Adj
אַ֭פַּיִם
ʼaph
H639
face
N-md
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִוֶּ֑לֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
מְ֝זִמּ֗וֹת
mᵉzimmâh
H4209
plot
N-fp
יִשָּׂנֵֽא
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:17
קְֽצַר
qâtsêr
H7116
"short"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something is short, whether in size, number, or time. It can also describe someone who is impatient. In the Bible, it is used to describe things that are small or few.
Definition: 1) short, impatient 1a) in size, number, life, strength, etc
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: few, hasty, small, soon. See also: 2 Kings 19:26; Proverbs 14:17; Proverbs 14:29.
אַ֭פַּיִם
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-md
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
אִוֶּ֑לֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מְ֝זִמּ֗וֹת
mᵉzimmâh
H4209
"plot"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means a plan or plot, which can be either good or evil. It appears in the Bible as a device, discretion, or intent. In the KJV, it is translated as a wicked device or witty invention.
Definition: 1) purpose, discretion, device, plot 1a) purpose 1b) discretion 1c) devices (evil)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (wicked) device, discretion, intent, witty invention, lewdness, mischievous (device), thought, wickedly. See also: Job 21:27; Proverbs 3:21; Psalms 10:2.
יִשָּׂנֵֽא
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:17
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:17
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:17
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:17
Context — The Wise Woman
15The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.
16A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.
17A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated.
18The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:29 | A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. |
| 2 | James 1:19 | My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 7:9 | Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool. |
| 4 | Proverbs 29:22 | An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. |
| 5 | Proverbs 15:18 | A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute. |
| 6 | Proverbs 22:24 | Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, |
| 7 | Proverbs 16:32 | He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 5:26–29 | For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this? |
| 9 | Isaiah 32:7 | The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. |
| 10 | Esther 7:5–6 | Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?” Esther replied, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked man—Haman!” And Haman stood in terror before the king and queen. |
Proverbs 14:17 Summary
[Proverbs 14:17 teaches us that losing our temper can lead to foolish decisions, while being dishonest can make people dislike us. This is why it's so important to ask God for help to control our emotions and be truthful, as seen in Proverbs 16:32 and Ephesians 4:32. By seeking to honor God and follow His wisdom, we can become people of integrity and self-control. As we strive to apply the wisdom of Proverbs 14:17 to our lives, we can experience the peace and joy that comes from following God's ways.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be quick-tempered according to Proverbs 14:17?
Being quick-tempered means acting impulsively in anger, which leads to foolish decisions, as seen in Proverbs 14:17, and can be contrasted with the self-control exhibited by those who fear God, as in Proverbs 16:32.
How does a devious man become hated?
A devious man becomes hated because his deceitful and untrustworthy behavior damages relationships and erodes trust, as warned against in Proverbs 26:24-26, and ultimately leads to isolation and condemnation, as seen in Proverbs 14:17.
Is it possible to change if I have a quick temper or tend to be devious?
Yes, it is possible to change with the help of God, as promised in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Philippians 4:13, and by applying the wisdom found in Proverbs, such as in Proverbs 14:17, which encourages self-reflection and growth in character.
What is the alternative to being quick-tempered or devious?
The alternative is to cultivate wisdom, self-control, and integrity, as encouraged in Proverbs 14:17, and to seek to honor God in all aspects of life, as taught in Colossians 3:17 and Matthew 5:16.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I act impulsively when I'm angry, and how can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 14:17 to those situations?
- How can I identify and change any devious tendencies in my own behavior, and what steps can I take to become a more trustworthy and honest person?
- What are some practical ways I can practice self-control and patience in my daily life, especially in situations that tend to trigger anger or impulsiveness?
- How can I seek to honor God by being a person of integrity and honesty, and what role does Proverbs 14:17 play in that pursuit?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:17
[He that is] soon angry dealeth foolishly,.... A man that is quick and short, of a hasty spirit, and presently discovers anger and resentment in his face; he says and does many foolish things, which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:17
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:17
Dealeth foolishly; his passion hurries him into many rash and foolish speeches and actions. A man of wicked devices, one who suppresseth his passion, but designeth and meditateth revenge, watching for the fittest methods and opportunities of executing it, is hated, both by God and men, as being most deeply malicious, and like the devil, and most dangerous and pernicious to human society; whereas men that are soon angry give a man warning, and are quickly pacified, and therefore pitied and pardoned.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:17
Proverbs 14:17 [He that is] soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.Ver. 17. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly.] Alexander, in his hot blood, slew his dearest friend, whom he would have revived again with his heart blood. “ Qui non moderabitur irae Infectum velit esse dolor quod suaserit, et mens. ” Rash anger differs from madness, saith Seneca, in nothing but in time only. See my "Common Place of Anger." And a man of wicked devices is hated,] i.e., He that beareth a grudge intending revenge - as one that only wants, and therefore waits a fit time, as Absalom did for Amnon - this is a dangerous man, and deservedly detested of all. It is counted manhood - indeed it is doghood. The curs of Congo, they say, bite but never bark. Esau threatened Jacob. Tiberius lentus in meditando, ubi prorupisset, tristioribus dictis atrocia facta conungebat. The more he meditated revenge, the more did time and delay sharpen it; and the further off he threatened, the heavier the stroke fell; therefore he was generally hated as an odious miscreant.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:17
(17) Dealeth foolishly.—Does silly things, and makes himself an object of ridicule, but not of hatred; whereas the “man of (wicked) devices” is hated for his cold-blooded malice.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:17
Verse 17. He that is soon angry] קצר אפים ketsar appayim, "short of nostrils:" because, when a man is angry, his nose is contracted, and drawn up towards his eyes. Dealeth foolishly] He has no time for reflection; he is hurried on by his passions, speaks like a fool, and acts like a madman.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:17
17. and] Rather, but. The comparison is between hasty anger leading to folly, and deliberate malice provoking hatred.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:17
The contrast lies between two forms of evil. Hasty anger acts foolishly, but the “man of wicked devices,” vindictive and insidious, incurs all men’s hatred.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:17
17. Soon angry — χφψΰτιν, (ketsar-appayim,) short of nostrils; the word primarily means nostrils, but tropically anger.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Tongue of a Disciple) the Satan Controlled Tongue by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of wise and thoughtful speech when delivering God's word. He compares preparing a message to preparing a meal for a special gu |
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Self-Control by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that our emotions are given to us by God as motivational forces in our lives. Anger, in particular, is described as a hot emotion full of ene |
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Why Are You Angry? by Israel Wayne | This sermon by Israel Wayne focuses on the topic of anger, exploring the biblical perspective on anger, its roots, and the importance of self-control. Wayne delves into the dangers |
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Testimony of Thomas Ellwood Concerning Isaac Penington by Isaac Penington | Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'provoked' in the context of sharp irritation or anger, emphasizing the importance of not yielding to provocation and maintaining a sp |
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(Basics) 67. Anger by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the destructive nature of anger and how it gives the devil an opportunity in our lives. He refers to the Bible verse in Ephesians 4:26-27, w |
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Outline of Job: Wrong Questions, Wrong Assumptions by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three debates that occur in the book of Job. The first debate, chapters four to 14, is described as "hot" with strong words being spoken. The |
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Foundations for Marriage by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of communication and learning in marriage. They emphasize that many of the principles for a successful marriage can also be app |