Proverbs 14:29 (KJV)
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Throughout the book of Proverbs, we learn that a quick temper can lead to adverse outcomes in life. It often results in trouble and exalts folly. The Bible teaches us that God, in whose image we are created, is slow to anger. Therefore, we are also created to be slow in anger. Those who are slow to anger are said to have great understanding, combining knowledge and wisdom to examine their emotions before reacting. It demonstrates wisdom and understanding to be slow to anger while being quick to anger is considered foolishness. The nature of godly individuals, guided by God’s wisdom, is to be men and women of understanding, insight, and discernment and not easily provoked to anger. Anger is a weapon of destruction in the hands of the enemy. It opens the door for the devil to fill our hearts with bitterness and dangerous characters. It is written in Job 5:2, “For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.”
Anger is dangerous because it can destroy a lifetime of achievement within seconds. It is a destiny killer, and if there is any doubt, ask Moses. Moses spoke to God face to face (Exodus 33:11) and was the only man who had done that. He led the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt, and through him, the Egyptian army was destroyed in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:27-28). God used him to perform many great miracles, and he was on the way to leading the children of Israel to the promised land, but anger ended his mission within seconds (Numbers 20:10-12). Anger is so destructive that it can rob one of entering the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:20-21). As children of God, we should not let the devil deprive us of our destinies through uncontrolled anger. Many people regret their current status due to yielding their lives to the influence of anger. Many have destroyed life and property. Many have lost good friends, some have cursed their children, and some have lost their freedom because of anger. It is written in Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” Solomon reminds us that anger lies in the bosom of fools. Therefore, we must not be so quick to get angry.
Beloved, 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 make 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.