“Fatuus statim indicat iram suam ; qui autem dissimulat injuriam callidus est.”
“A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. presently: Heb. in that day”
“A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.”
“A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.”
“A fool's vexation is presently known; But a prudent man concealeth shame.”
Wise. It is more difficult to repress, than to avoid anger. (St. Ambrose) — To dissemble, so as to seek an opportunity of revenge, is not commended.
We are here told whence to expect a good name. Reputation is what most have a high regard to and stand much upon. Now it is certain, 1. The best reputation is that which attends virtue and serious piety, and the prudent conduct of life: A man shall be commended by all that are wise and good, in conformity to the judgment of God himself, which we are sure is according to truth, not according to his riches or preferments, his craft and subtlety, but according to his wisdom, the honesty of his designs and the prudent choice of means to compass them. 2. The worst reproach is that which follows wickedness and an opposition to that which is good: He that is of a perverse heart, that turns aside to crooked ways, and goes on frowardly in them, shall be despised. Providence will bring him to poverty and contempt, and all that have a true sense of honour will despise him as unworthy to be dealt with and unfit to be trusted, as a blemish and scandal to mankind.