Proverbs 12:16

“A fool’s wrath is presently known, etc.] 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”f339; 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…”

“prudent . . . shame--He is slow to denounce his insulters (Jam 1:19).”

“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. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Covereth - The shame, or injury done to him, which he conceals and bears with patience. Proverbs 12:17”

“12:16 Keeping a level head allows a wise person to think clearly and avoid reactions that could cause a fight.”

“fool's: Pro 25:28, Pro 29:11; Sa1 20:30-34; Kg1 19:1, Kg1 19:2 presently: Heb. in that day but: Pro 10:12, Pro 16:22, Pro 17:9, Pro 29:11; Jam 1:19 Proverbs 12:17”

“The relations of the subject and the predicate are the same as in the preceding verse. The fool makes known his vexation on the same day \[at once\], On the contrary, the prudent man hideth the offence. Very frequently in these proverbs the first line is only defined by the adducing of the second, or the second holds itself in the light of the first. A post-bibl. proverb says that a man is known by three things: by his כוס (his behaviour in drinking), his כיס (his conduct in money transactions), and his כעס (his conduct under deep inward excitement). So here: he is a fool who, if some injury is done to him, immediately shows his vexation in a passionate manner; while, on the contrary the…”