Last week we observed how “the fool” of Proverbs is slow to hear and quick to speak. The imprudence of his heart is most evident when he opens his mouth. In addition to being wanton in his speech, the fool also fails to restrain his temper. Today we will observe how he violates the third principle of James 1:19. Not only is he slow to hear and quick to speak, but also quick to anger.
“A fool’s wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame” (Prov 12:16). The fool allows his emotions to have free reign in his life. He lacks the self-discipline to keep his feelings in check. The Christian is commanded: “be angry, and yet do not sin” (Eph 4:26), but the two go hand in hand within the life of a fool. The fool never “blows his top” because he never attempts to bottle up his anger in the first place. His wrath springs forth as a free-flowing stream of sinful actions.
This flood of anger can do much damage. “A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them” (Prov 27:3). The burden of his wrath is simply unbearable. In the words of Matthew Poole, a fool’s anger is “without cause, without measure, and without end.” There is no sense in trying to appease him. His wrath must be avoided altogether. “Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly” (Prov 17:12).
The force of a fool’s wrath arises from his lack of restraint. His emotions are not any stronger than the wise, just less controlled. “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back” (Prov 29:11). Being long-tempered requires self-discipline and hard work. The fool is not willing to put forth the time and effort to develop his character. Venting his anger is the easy thing to do. “It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel” (Prov 20:3).
The fool is more concerned about his own feelings at the moment, than any consequences that may arise from his actions later on. “A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows” (Prov 18:6). He rushes headlong into a quarrel regardless of what damage it may cause others or even himself.
Solomon encourages his readers to step back and consider the damage a quick-temper can do. The wise will see the snare of wrath and take heed. “He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly” (Prov 14:29). So, if we want to avoid the fate of the fool we must follow all three principles of James admonition: “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath” (James 1:19).