proverb · Words worth keeping
Anger is short-lived in a good man.
Anger is short-lived in a good man.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying praises allowing anger to pass rather than keeping a grievance alive. Its moral judgement is too simple: lasting anger does not by itself show that someone lacks good character.
Example
After two volunteers clarify a small scheduling misunderstanding, they stop repeating the accusation at every meeting while keeping the agreed correction in place.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The proverb links goodness with anger that does not last, presenting a willingness to move beyond irritation as admirable. A useful reading concerns avoiding repeated punishment for a small resolved disagreement. The wording should not become a measure of someone’s worth based on how quickly their feelings change. An unresolved wrong can give a person reason to remain angry, and calm conduct does not prove that a problem has ended. The practical distinction is between keeping a minor quarrel alive unnecessarily and continuing to seek a fair response to something that still needs attention.
When to use it
Use it cautiously when a minor resolved disagreement is being repeatedly revived.
Keep in mind
Persistent anger can have reasons; no one has to feel better quickly to count as a good person.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English