Pondering the Principles of Proverbs
What about those whose first response to something not going right is this sort of explosion?
(Now that all the 'caveats' are out of the way, let's get to the real issue--hot-temperedness.)
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
(Pro. 15:18 ESV)
The most recent discussion also talked about stirring up conflict, and one from a month ago did the same. So, it would appear that Solomon dealt with this from a number of different angles.
We probably all know someone who is a seething pot just waiting to boil over.
It never seems to take much to set this kind off.
It would seem that they may thrive on conflict.
In my experience, however, that is not the case. Most seem to want to be rid of all the 'drama' in their life.
But, it seems to follow them around.
This verse is another of the many stating a 'cause and effect' relationship. Few there be who see it, though.
They will continue to justify themselves with the idea that "I wouldn't get so angry, if you wouldn't..."
They will always paint the picture as if they are provoked into their anger. There is no answer for that.
I was married to one who had anger just below the surface, and it was always looking for a way to express itself. Whenever it was pointed out, regardless of the manner, justification ensued.
The taking of responsibility seems to be a complete impossibility for these types.
The one who is patient, though, has the tools with which to calm the savage beast.
That is because they do not respond in kind, so there is nothing left for the other to fight.
A patient person does not react; they respond (as was the point of the last discussion on 15:1)
You may think that you are "stuck" with your temper, but I assure you that is not the case. Neither do you have to master "anger management" techniques.
While in the military, after I went A.W.O.L. for almost a year, I was diagnosed as "passive-aggressive," a style I carried with me for years afterward. I continued with this even after I became a Christian.
As I began to read the scriptures, I noticed things like the verse before us. I learned about how the Lord was patient in the midst of turmoil. I learned from James 1:19 that if I would shut up and listen, my anger would starve to death.
I did and it did. (It's not completely dead yet, but the energy it takes to resuscitate it is usually not worth the effort.)
There are many reasons explaining the existence of a hot temper. Those reasons never seem to help get rid of the demon.
If you want to be free from a hair-trigger reaction to life, you can be.
(Message me on Facebook, and we will talk about it.)
All comments, questions, and/or criticisms are welcome. They will be posted immediately without the necessity of approval.
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