There are many scriptures in the Bible concerning anger, but today Proverbs 29:11 and Proverbs 19:11 speaks to me.
Proverbs 29:11 King James Version
vs 11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards
Proverbs 29:11 Amplified Bible vs 11 A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger, But a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back.
A man who is shortsighted is considered to be a fool. They lack imagination or foresight to see the consequences of losing their temper. A wise man on the other hand uses self-control and holds back their temper. It doesn't mean that the wise man doesn't get angry, but it does mean that wise man understands the consequences of losing their temper and therefore practice restraint. This is why Christians don't walk around punching out their boss at work. The boss may deserve it, but the believer is wise enough to know that there will be legal and financial consequences for their brief moment of losing control. How does that bring Glory to God?
Proverbs 19:11 King James Version vs 11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
Proverbs 19:11 Amplified Bible Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger, And it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment]
Having good sense will make a man slow to anger. Have you ever been angry at someone only to find out later that your anger was misplaced or worst base on a lie? Having good sense will cause you to pause and examine the cause of your anger. Discretion is another way of slowing to anger. Discretion is defined as the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information or the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation. What a beautiful definition of discretion! We have experience this before, when were angry we can say some hurtful things. Contrary to public opinion, you can't take back what was spoken. Having discretion or keeping your mouth shut is another way to slow to anger. Last but not least, to overlook a man's transgression or offense brings God Glory. I struggle with this daily, maybe you do too? People can be hateful and mean-spirited folks and it looks like they are getting worse. However, the Word doesn't change. Looking over their transgression or offense brings God Glory. Now just a little note on looking over transgressions, it doesn't mean leaving yourself open to be hurt again. No...No....No.... The Lord is saying for us to look over their transgression not for them but for us. When we don't look over someone transgression, it will make us spiritually, mentally and physically sick. Worst of all, it can create a gap between us and God.
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