vents all his anger
The phrase "vents all his anger" suggests a complete and unrestrained expression of emotion. The Hebrew word for "anger" here is "רוּחַ" (ruach), which can also mean "spirit" or "breath." This indicates that anger is a powerful force within a person, akin to a driving wind. In the ancient Near Eastern context, unrestrained anger was seen as a lack of self-control, a vice that could lead to personal and communal harm. The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of unchecked anger, as it can lead to sin and strife (Ephesians 4:26-27).

but a wise man
The "wise man" is represented by the Hebrew word "חָכָם" (chakam), which signifies someone who is skilled in living according to God's principles. Wisdom in the biblical sense is not merely intellectual but is deeply practical and moral. It involves making choices that align with God's will and result in peace and righteousness. The wise man is often depicted as someone who listens, learns, and applies God's truth to their life, embodying the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

holds it back
The phrase "holds it back" implies restraint and self-control. The Hebrew word "שָׁבַךְ" (shabach) can mean to keep something in check or to restrain. In the biblical context, self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and is highly valued as a mark of maturity and wisdom. The ability to control one's emotions, particularly anger, is seen as a sign of strength and character. In ancient wisdom literature, the disciplined person who can control their temper is often contrasted with the impulsive fool, highlighting the virtue of patience and the importance of measured responses.

Πολλάκις ἀνθρώπων ὀργὴ νόον ἐξεκάλυψε
Κρυπτόμενον μανίας πουλὺ χερειότερον.

"Wrath often hath revealed man's hidden mind,
Than madness more pernicious." A wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. This clause is capable of more than one explanation. The Authorized Version says that the wise man restrains his own anger till he can give it proper vent. The term בְּאָחור occurs nowhere else, and is rendered "at last," "finally," and by Delitzsch, "within," i.e. in his heart. The verb rendered "keepeth in" (shabach) is rather "to calm," "to hush," as in Psalm 65:7; Psalm 89:10, "Which stilleth the noise of the seas." So we have the meaning: The wise man calms the auger within him; according to the proverb, Irae dilatio, mentis pacatio. Or the anger calmed may be that of the fool: The wise man appeases it after it has been exhibited; he knows how to apply soothing remedies to the angry man, and in the end renders him calm and amenable to reason. This seems the most suitable explanation. Septuagint, "A wise man husbands it (ταμιεύεται) in part."

Parallel Commentaries ...