Ecclesiastes 7:9 (KJV)
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
Solomon, in Ecclesiastes 7:9, reminds us that anger lies in the bosom of fools. Therefore, we must not be so quick to get angry. Anger can be defined as a robust emotional response characterized by feelings of displeasure, hostility, or antagonism directed toward a specific target, often accompanied by a desire to cause harm. Anger is a significant emotional weapon employed in the destruction of individual destinies. It is commonly understood that anger typically arises in response to a perceived provocation, hurt, or threat and is seldom devoid of cause, often perceived as a regular part of daily life. Instances of anger can be observed frequently, such as in traffic, retail settings, security footage featured in news broadcasts, movies, and even within domestic environments. The destructive potential of anger lies in its ability to unravel a lifetime of accomplishments in mere seconds.
The destructive nature of anger is exemplified by the story of Moses, and despite being the only individual to speak to God face to face and leading the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, his moment of anger led to dire consequences. This incident serves as a potent reminder of the detrimental effects of uncontrolled anger. In fact, the destructive power of anger is so significant that it’s highlighted as a divisive factor in entering the Kingdom of God. As individuals grounded in our faith, it’s imperative to recognize the influence of anger and prevent it from undermining our destinies. Many lives have been regretfully altered due to unchecked anger, resulting in irreplaceable loss and strife. Many have lost good friends, some have cursed their children, and some have lost their freedom because of anger. However, As adherents of Christianity, we must handle anger in a manner that aligns with our faith and fosters conflict resolution. When we experience anger, we engage in a reflective pause and invite the guidance of the Holy Spirit to enable us to react with compassion, restraint, and empathy. Instead of succumbing to anger’s influence, we submit to the constructive influence of divine grace. James 1:19 says, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Beloved, the path to great wisdom includes self-control to rule your spirit. If you cannot control your anger, you will say and do many foolish things. It is essential not to hold onto anger for too long. Set a time limit for resolving any conflicts to avoid bitterness. Never let anger dominate your life, for it will also dictate how far you go in life. I wonder how many promised lands you missed because you could not control your anger. Always maintain your emotions because anger has made many say or do things they would not usually say or do. As soon as wrath lands in your hands, throw it away. Don’t nurse your anger. Don’t brood over it. Don’t hold a grudge. Don’t let anger take you in a direction that will lead to regrets. Don’t let anyone recruit you into getting angry with someone. Refuse to be influenced by those who are angry with people you like. Learn to exercise patience before you speak or act. Be respectful of the other person, and don’t intentionally make others angry for your benefit. When faced with a problem, turn to God for help, speaking the truth with love and forgiveness. Trust in His power to overcome anger and bring peace to the situation. Work on resolving the issue instead of focusing on what made you angry. Forgive everyone who has made you angry. You shall not destroy the good things you have built because of anger in Jesus’ Name. Remember, anger doesn’t solve or create anything; it only destroys everything.
O Lord, help me not to be angry but to be able to exercise restraint in the face of provocation in Jesus’ Name.