“A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.” (Proverbs 14:17)
The truth is that when your temper gets the best of you, it reveals the worst of you.
The Bible says three things about unrighteous anger that you need to keep in mind:
- It’s stupid. “A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated” (v. 17). Benjamin Franklin wrote in Poor Richard’s Almanac: “Take this remark from Richard poor and lame; Whatever’s begun in anger ends in shame.”
- It’s divisive. “A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them” (Proverbs 15:18). Occasionally we may become angry for good reason. But most of the time it’s because we’re selfish, impatient, irritated, or hurt about the way we have been treated. Humorist Will Rogers once said, “People who fly into a rage seldom make a good landing.” Instead of solving the problem, anger only makes it worse.
- It’s destructive. “Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty. If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again” (Proverbs 19:19). That means when you keep losing your temper, you keep losing. You will lose friends, you will lose the love and respect of your family, you will lose your business associates, and it can even cause you to lose your health. John Hunter, a psychologist who had a severe heart condition, said, “My life is at the mercy of the person who can make me angry … the first scoundrel who gets me angry can kill me.” And guess what? That scoundrel can be you! So ask God to help you control your anger.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me control my anger and understand that anger does not solve any situation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
