Proverbs 29
Scripture
Proverbs 29:11
“Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.”
Observation-What does it say?
Solomon shares in this passage that fools are quick to anger, they lack self-control, and they lose their composure quite easily. Meanwhile, the wise are in control of their emotions, they think before they speak, and even know that some things are better left unsaid in those times of conflict.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Think before you speak.
We've all been there before. We've all been in situations where conflict arises and we begin to hit our boiling point. If steam could come out of our ears, it probably would, and our head would be like a boiling tea kettle. And how do we respond in those situations? Unfortunately, a lot of us are the fools here, and we vent out our anger. We go old testament here and do the whole "eye for an eye" thing. If someone hurts us verbally or physically, we tend to quickly retaliate and hurt back. Many times these confrontations end up damaging relationships permanently.
So what should we do? How does the Bible tell us to react in those situations?
“But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.”-Matthew 5:39 NLT
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” James 1:19-20 NLT
“A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.” Proverbs 15:18 NLT
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” Galatians 5:16 NLT
Remember, being quick to anger is not a characteristic that comes from God. Instead allow ourselves to be filled with the Holy Spirit. For the Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control-(Galatians 5:22-23).
Life Application
Take a moment to step back, breathe, and pray.
I understand that I cannot control the circumstances around me. I cannot control how people are going to act towards me. Things in my life will become stressful and tensions will rise in certain situations. The key is how I respond in those situations. How does God call me to respond in those times? So not if, but when these times arise, I know that God left me His Holy Spirit to empower me, to enable me to rise above the scene. Take a step back, remove myself from it, and turn to Him for counsel and strength. Don't say or do anything we cannot take back. I know if I can manage that, I will be wiser because of it!