An even more literal translation could read, “A man’s wisdom delays his anger.” Our heavenly Father himself delays his wrath (Isaiah 48:9; Micah 7:18). In this proverb, Solomon calls on us to be imitators of our God, by overlooking and pardoning the offences that are committed against us.
This is possible when we have wisdom, that kind of wisdom that is led by love and by faith. Love lets us see all kinds of extenuating circumstances, making us tenderhearted toward the offender. Faith teaches us to see God’s hand in everything, whether good or evil.
A touching example of this can be found in the forgiveness that Joseph granted his brothers. After the terrible losses they have caused him, he comforted them and reminded them of God’s sovereign plan (Genesis 45:5–8). We also see it with David, who twice spared Saul’s life and mourned when Saul eventually died (1 Samuel 24:1–22, 1 Samuel 26:1–25; 2 Samuel 1:17–27).
In this proverb, overlooking an offence is called a person’s “glory.” This glory shone at its brightest in the life of our Saviour, who prayed for his enemies and also taught us to forgive seventy times seven times.
See also Proverbs 14:17, Proverbs 14:29, and Proverbs 15:18.
11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.