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.

A King's Glory

For Tuesday, January 3, 2006
Proverbs 14:28

In a multitude of people is the glory of a king,
but without people a prince is ruined.

A king cannot reign without a people. Indeed, without a people to rule over he is not a king. By its very definition, kingship is about relationship. A person may have great qualities, but if there is no one over whom and for whom to exercise those qualities, then he has no status. If a king is only as great a king in relation to the people he governs, then, however great he may like to regard himself, he is dependent upon those who are beneath him for his status. Thus the greatest of leaders is dependent upon the humblest of followers.

And thus a leader must lead well and govern well. If his glory is people and not wealth, then all the more he must give attention to the welfare of his people. This is a good principle for all leaders. The true glory of any leader is found in the commitment of those who follow him or her. Leaders do not merely get things done; they get things done is such a way that those under them gladly do what it takes. They aspire to please their leaders.

Gladly do we follow our King who won our allegiance by being our Servant. Gladly do we offer up our service to the one who battled for us; who suffered on our behalf. And so this King has won multitudes of people for his glory.