He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

PROVERBS 14:17KJV
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Proverbs 14:17 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 14:17 mean?

Proverbs 14:17 warns that someone who quickly becomes angry acts in a foolish way, and a person who schemes evil is disliked or hated by others. The verse highlights the negative results of both uncontrolled temper and intentional wrongdoing.

This proverb is part of Solomon’s collection of wise sayings, directed to anyone seeking practical wisdom for daily life. The verse draws a contrast between two types of harmful behavior: impulsive anger and calculated wickedness. Both lead to trouble, but the second—planning evil—brings lasting social rejection or hatred.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 14:17

  • "soon" (קְצַר, qetsar): This word means "short" or "quick," emphasizing someone who is easily or quickly provoked. The focus is on a person whose anger flares up without much cause.
  • "angry" (אַף, aph): Literally "nose" or "nostrils," this Hebrew word is often used for anger because of the flaring of nostrils when someone is upset. It paints a vivid picture of visible, heated emotion.
  • "dealeth foolishly" (עָשָׂה אִוֶּלֶת, asah ivvelet): The phrase means to act in a foolish or senseless way. The emphasis is on actions that lack wisdom or self-control.
  • "devices" (מְזִמָּה, mezimmah): This word refers to plans, schemes, or plots, especially those with a negative or harmful intent. It points to someone who deliberately plans wrongdoing.
  • "hated" (שָׂנֵא, sane): This word means to be hated or strongly disliked, showing the social consequence of being known for evil schemes.

Why Proverbs 14:17 matters

  • Proverbs 14:17 clarifies that both sudden anger and deliberate evil are destructive, but they harm in different ways—one through foolish actions, the other through damaged relationships.
  • The verse helps correct the idea that only outward, obvious anger is harmful; it also warns against the quieter danger of scheming evil.
  • In the context of Proverbs, this saying fits into a larger theme about the importance of self-control and integrity for a peaceful and respected life.

Where else these words appear

“soon” Hebrew H7116 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:26 Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.
  • Job 14:1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.
  • Proverbs 14:29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

“devices” Hebrew H4209 · used in 19 verses

  • Job 21:27 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.
  • Psalms 139:20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
  • Proverbs 12:2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

“foolishly” Hebrew H200 · used in 24 verses

  • Psalms 38:5 My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.
  • Proverbs 14:18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
  • Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

“hated” Hebrew H8130 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them,(though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
  • Proverbs 1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?