The order of words suggests that great understanding follows self-control, and that is true; but it is also true that the greater the understanding, the greater the self-control. It has been said that to understand all would be to forgive all. Much of a man’s nature is due to his inheritance and his environment. When we understand the factors that have brought about another’s untrustworthiness or his quick temper, our exasperation is lessened. This is not to say that a man’s character is determined by his environment, and that thus there is an excuse for his sin. But inheritance and surroundings often present great handicaps to successful character development.

 The man who is quick-tempered exhibits folly where all can see it. He reveals his own lack of understanding and of self-control, and these are some of the chief marks of a fool. The wisest man takes leave of his wisdom when he loses his temper, and for the time he becomes a fool. His habits of wise action may prevent his outburst from being as foolish as that of a less wise man, but in the heat of the moment he stands in danger of abandoning conscious control of his words or actions (see Num. 20:7-13; PP 417-421).