What does this quote mean?

“A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.”

Anger spreads beyond the person feeling it: an uncontrolled response can create conflict, while restraint can reduce conflict for everyone involved.

Source note: Proverbs 15:18 in the King James Version.

“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”

Slowness to anger creates time for judgment; impulsive anger gives emotion control before understanding has caught up.

Source note: Proverbs 14:29, King James Version.

“A soft answer turneth away wrath.”

The proverb recommends a restrained response because tone can either lower or intensify conflict.

Source note: Proverbs 15:1 in the King James Version; the proverb contrasts a soft answer with speech that intensifies wrath.

“Angry people are not always wise.”

Strong emotion can narrow judgment, so being certain while angry is not the same as being correct.

Source note: Pride and Prejudice; the line is preserved in the novel’s dialogue about anger, judgment, and the limits of certainty while emotions are high.

“Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast.”

Speed without judgment can undermine the very goal a person is pursuing, so patience becomes part of effective action.

Source note: Act 2, Scene 3; Friar Laurence urges Romeo to move with greater care.

“When angry, count ten, before you speak; if very angry, an hundred.”

Jefferson’s practical rule inserts a deliberate delay between anger and speech, giving judgment time to return before emotion becomes an irreversible response.

Source note: Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson Smith, February 21, 1825, Founders Online / National Archives. The sentence is item 10 in a short list of “canons of conduct” sent to his namesake relative; the archive currently labels the transcription an Early Access document rather than a final authoritative edition.