Put on a Long Face

(Proverbs 25:15 KJV)  By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

This is another place where I think it would be great if the translators would simply go literally and let the reader beware.  The KJV comes a little closer with “long (753) forbearing (639)”.  The NASB combines it into “forbearance”.  It is a compound word which the NASB tells you in a marginal reading means “long anger”.  “Anger” traces back to face or nostrils and has the idea of a face that is contorted either with rage or self control.

Sometimes we just can’t get over it.  We find it hard to forgive, let alone forget.  It is still the standard we are expected to follow.  It may take time but it will come.

So?  Have a long anger.  Eventually it will become patience.  Eventually it will become forgiveness.  I can’t promise forgetfulness.