Mishlei 21-29
Forbearance
Key Concepts
When a person of low character gets angry, he reveals his temper by his facial expression. In contrast, an upright man has learned to control himself and does not let himself be provoked. On the contrary, he maintains his calm demeanor.
Exploring Mishlei
כט = הֵעֵז אִישׁ רָשָׁע בְּפָנָיו וְיָשָׁר הוּא יָבִין דַּרְכּוֹ
(29) A wicked man will be brazen to his face
but an upright man understands his way and answers calmly.
The proverb calls attention to the shameless behavior of a wicked man (רָשָׁע) who reveals his hot temper in his facial expression. The upright man (יָשָׁר) who is on the receiving end of this emotional display, recognizes the character flaw in the other party and instead of reacting in kind, he controls himself and responds calmly.
Learning Mishlei
A wicked man is brazen — הֵעֵז אִישׁ רָשָׁע
and behaves angrily in his presence, — בְּפָנָיו
but the upright man — וְיָשָׁר
understands his way — הוּא יָבִין דַּרְכּוֹ
and responds calmly.
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