Read Proverbs 19:1-29

“The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression.” — Proverbs 19:11

Beloved, there are two great principles that the wise king has for us to reflect on in this stand alone Proverb. The first principle is that of a man’s discretion and the second deals with a man's glory. Both principles lead a person to refreshing streams of joy and freedom in their life.

Let’s begin with the principle of discretion. This word in Hebrew is somewhat rare in the Old Testament, used only a handful of times by Solomon in the Proverbs. Today, it might be best defined as a man's intuition or insight. This kind of discretion only comes by the discipline of being quick to listen and slow to speak. A man equipped with this can hardly be provoked to anger or stoked in the flames of wrath.

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19–20)

“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)

Ah! — how many divisions and sins could be avoided if we would but equip a little more discretion in our conduct? How many marriages would be healthier for it? And how many children would be sooner ushered into the Kingdom if we lent them our ear before our mouths? How precious is the virtue of discretion unto self-control! And how much more that we see this very characteristic in our merciful God?

“It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23)

The second principle is even greater still: Glory. True glory! Sinful men glory in worthless and trivial things, but true glory is that which comes from God. And it is God's glory to forgive men their sins. Hallelujah!

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:8–12)

If God should glory is such a thing, how much more should we as His people? Yet, this is only half of King Solomon’s point. Notice, the king speaks not simply of forgiveness, but of overlooking a trespass altogether. A man's glory is discovered in how slow he is to be offended when he is crossed. Truly, a wise man will overlook trespasses more often than he is pierced by them. He will let the sins of others roll off of his back and into the hands of the Almighty who judges righteously.

Once again, we cannot pass by this great virtue without seeing it first exemplified in our Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself was reviled, but did not revile in return; and He suffered at the hands of others, but did not return a threat. Rather, He bore our sins and committed Himself to the Almighty for vindication (see 1 Peter 2:21-23).

Dear church, may we become such a people as this, who are slow to anger and slower still to be offended by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, by exercising His discretion, and by seeking the glory which only comes from above.

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps…” (1 Peter 2:21)

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