We all experience feelings of anger at times. Sometimes, the anger we feel is righteous anger, where we are angry at circumstances that break God's heart. Other times, our anger is born out of our own selfishness. When we feel anger rise up within us, we have to decide how to respond. One way we can respond well to our anger is to cultivate patience so that our anger is productive and does not lead us down a path toward sin.
The book of Proverbs calls us to be people who are patient instead of easily angered. In Proverbs 15, the author of this Proverb wrote, "A hot tempered person starts fights" (verse 18). This is a rather obvious statement, but one that is important to reflect on. If we have a "hot temper," we will stir up conflict after conflict. We will bring about strife and dissension. There is a better way of living than constantly stirring up all kinds of fights and arguments. That is why the author of Proverbs 15:18 continued his teaching, saying, "A cool-tempered person stops them" (verse 18). When we live with a cool temper and practice patience, we can respond well to the arguments and quarrels that come up. We can be characterized by peace.
It is easy to be angry and stir up fights. It is more challenging to be patient. Paul helps us learn how to be people who are patient and forgiving with those around us in Ephesians 4. In this passage of Scripture, He writes, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you" (verses 31-32). What is the motivation for our patience? It is God's own treatment toward us. He has been patient, forgiving us even though our sins broke His heart. Because God has been infinitely patient and forgiving to us, we must extend that same patience and forgiveness to the people around us.
Are you ready to respond patiently instead of letting anger take control? Imagine the difference it would make if you committed to living patiently, remembering just how patient God has been with you. Commit today to display the same patience God has shown you to the people in your life.
Take a few moments to pray for patience. Thank God for being patient with you. Ask Him to help you show patience to everyone around you when you are tempted to give in to anger.
1A gentle answer deflects anger,
but harsh words make tempers flare.
2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,
but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.
3 The Lord is watching everywhere,
keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.
4 Gentle words are a tree of life;
a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
5 Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline;
whoever learns from correction is wise.
6 There is treasure in the house of the godly,
but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.
7 The lips of the wise give good advice;
the heart of a fool has none to give.
8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but he delights in the prayers of the upright.
9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but he loves those who pursue godliness.
10 Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined;
whoever hates correction will die.
11 Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord.
How much more does he know the human heart!
12 Mockers hate to be corrected,
so they stay away from the wise.
13 A glad heart makes a happy face;
a broken heart crushes the spirit.
14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge,
while the fool feeds on trash.
15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble;
for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
16 Better to have little, with fear for the Lord,
than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.
17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love
is better than steak with someone you hate.
18 A hot-tempered person starts fights;
a cool-tempered person stops them.
19 A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers,
but the path of the upright is an open highway.
20 Sensible children bring joy to their father;
foolish children despise their mother.
21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense;
a sensible person stays on the right path.
22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
many advisers bring success.
23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;
it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
24 The path of life leads upward for the wise;
they leave the grave behind.
25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,
but he protects the property of widows.
26 The Lord detests evil plans,
but he delights in pure words.
27 Greed brings grief to the whole family,
but those who hate bribes will live.
28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;
good news makes for good health.
31 If you listen to constructive criticism,
you will be at home among the wise.
32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;
but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.
33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom;
humility precedes honor.
