Slow to Anger

For Friday, January 6, 2006
Proverbs 14:29

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,
but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

It requires wisdom to control anger. One must be wise enough, first of all, to know what circumstance calls for anger. Jesus knew when to act in anger and when not. Thus, he spoke in anger at the proper times against hypocrisy and injustice; and yet, when the greatest injustice was committed against him, he exercised control. One must be wise enough to know how to control anger. Again, Jesus knew what words to speak to those who tried to ruffle him; he knew how to keep his emotions in check. And in his wisdom, he trusted in his Father. This alone is the greatest help to check one's temper. When you can trust God to vindicate, you don't have to get caught up in anger. When you can trust God to bring about good, you don't have to get angry over what you think you've lost. When you can trust God to protect you and provide for you, you don't have to get angry with your circumstances. And when in wisdom you humbly accept your own frailties and sinful state, you become more tolerant and patient of others.