Surprising is the fact that this easy-to-accept and understand proverb is not a comparative proverb as is so many in the book of Proverbs. Another surprising fact is that it defines the character traits of both a quick-tempered man and a crafty man. Could King Solomon have a specific person in mind when he wrote this?
Just because a person gets angry does not mean that they will do foolish things. God gets angry. However, if I am quick to anger, that is I have little or no control over my emotions I will eventually and repeatedly do stupid things. I have known a few men who were quick-tempered. Like King Saul, most people were afraid to get too close to them. “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28)
Controlling emotions is not a natural trait for humans. Self-control is learned through repeated use and exercises of calming my thoughts and emotions. Self-control is a gift of God. Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit of God. (Galatians 5:22)
Self-control is a choice for Paul wrote, “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8)
