Proverbs 12:16

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about how we respond to an insult:

Proverbs 12:16 (ESV)

The vexation of a fool is known at once,

but the prudent ignores an insult.

Proverbs 12:16 (NASBStr)

A fool’s anger is known at once,

But a prudent man conceals dishonor.

Proverbs 12:16 (NIV1984)

A fool shows his annoyance at once,

but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

If you have ever been insulted you know what the above proverb is talking about.   We all have buttons others can push to get a rise out of us.   The fool allows his buttons to be pushed.   The wise and prudent person doesn't allow those buttons to be pushed, but rather "overlooks" the matter.  Solomon stresses this truth throughout the book of Proverbs:  Proverbs 14:33; 27:3; 29:11.   The younger we are the more we tend to look like the fool.   Lack of maturity often causes us to "burst fourth" in anger or in an ill-advised manner.    Note what Solomon says in Proverbs 19:11:  

"A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression."   

In both of these proverbs Solomon is telling us that when we trust God and have faith in God we will be given prudence and wisdom to NOT respond to those who may attempt to push us into a quick and ungodly response.   The fool exposes his/her buttons to others and then reacts when those buttons are pushed.   The prudent one conceals their buttons and then overlooks the person who is pushing them.   The best response is no response.