not easily provoked

Being easily provoked means one is quick to anger. Those who are easily provoked tend to jump to negative conclusions, judge harshly, assume the worst about individuals, act impulsively, and are reluctant to changes their minds. Often these individuals rationalize their behavior to be a virtue, calling it "being decisive" or being a "good judge of people." I know of one man estranged from his niece because of a misunderstanding. Although she has made many attempts at reconciliation, he is determined to keep her out of his life. Rather than react so swiftly and harshly, a charitable person would think to himself, "I am surprised she said that, it is quite out of character for her; perhaps I have misunderstood her intent. I will give her the benefit of the doubt." He could even be more direct and calmly say, "Are you just joking around, or did you mean that as an insult?" This allows clarity to replace misunderstanding. A wise man once said, "Do not attribute to malice that which can adequately be explained by ignorance." It is a good standard for those who would be counted among the charitable who are not easily provoked.