“Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.”
I kind of wanted the second part of this to say that the prudent show their annoyance later. The point Solomon is making is that wise people know how to keep their emotions under control. Allowing emotions to control our actions make for weakness and very poor decisions. The number of people in prison because they carefully considered their reactions in the moment are very low. Crime of passion is a real thing. The dictionary tells us that prudent people are marked by “acting with or showing care and thought for the future.” That sounds like the kind of person I want to be. The contrast is broad here: instant reaction to annoyance or none ever. None ever is a nod to forgiveness. To never respond to someone annoying you shows not only great restraint but at some level forgiveness. It also reflects peace and a knowledge that everyone is annoying sometimes. Just ask my grandkids. Their response is usually a chuckle or eye roll. Imagine the world if that was everyone’s standard response. Today live with patience, those around you probably do. #BeTheEdge
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Jesus
