Watch Your Temper
“People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.” Proverbs 14:29, NLT
More and more we hear of anger turning into rage and the rage turning into some kind of tragedy. We used to hear the words, “Count to ten” when you are angry.
The idea behind that phrase is that while you are counting to ten, you will cool off and not speak in anger. I’m not for sure if that is really enough when our temper is out of control.
Responding with a hot temper will rarely help the situation. It immediately shows our foolishness. It will gain us neither friends nor respect. We usually regret both our actions and our words.
On the other side of this coin are the people that have gained understanding have learned to control their anger. We are to glean from this Proverb that understanding is wisdom. Both come from the Lord and both can be found in His Word.
Gain understanding from the Lord and you will also gain wisdom. With understanding and wisdom, you will learn to control your anger.
Understanding and wisdom leads to self-control which is what is needed in those situations that push our emotions to the breaking point.
Sometimes the only way to win in these situations is to simply walk away from the situation. Taking that action exhibits a great deal of self-control and you have taken the first step in controlling your anger.
Riley Pippen