Old Testament
Proverbs 14:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
A person who is slow to anger has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered promotes foolishness.
Compare translations
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
What Proverbs 14:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the value of patience and self-control in managing anger. A person who takes their time to respond to provocation demonstrates wisdom and understanding, as they are able to think clearly and avoid rash decisions. In contrast, someone who reacts quickly and allows their temper to dictate their actions often ends up making foolish choices. This teaches us that emotional regulation is crucial for sound judgment and effective decision-making. By being slow to anger, we can better navigate conflicts and maintain healthier relationships. The verse encourages us to cultivate a calm demeanor, which can lead to greater insight and better outcomes in our interactions with others.
How to apply Proverbs 14:29 to your life
To apply this verse, practice taking deep breaths and pausing before reacting in heated situations. Reflect on the consequences of your responses and strive to respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively. This approach can lead to better relationships and wiser decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 14:29
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 14:29
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 14:29 mean?
Proverbs 14:29 emphasizes the importance of being slow to anger. It suggests that those who manage their anger well show wisdom and understanding, while those who react quickly often make foolish decisions.
What is the meaning of 'slow to anger' in Proverbs 14:29?
'Slow to anger' refers to the ability to control one's temper and respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively. This quality is associated with wisdom and leads to better decision-making.
How can I apply Proverbs 14:29 in my life?
To apply this verse, practice pausing and taking deep breaths before reacting to anger. This can help you respond more thoughtfully and avoid making hasty, foolish decisions.
What themes are present in Proverbs 14:29?
Key themes in Proverbs 14:29 include patience, self-control, wisdom, and the consequences of foolishness. It highlights the importance of managing anger for better judgment and relationships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.