by: Rev. Hizon Cua
Anger is a normal emotional response of displeasure triggered by wrong. Anger, when ill controlled, can lead to rage and violent actions. The book of proverbs characterizes quick-temperament as foolishness and even-temperament as wise. This wisdom book highlights the contrasts between a quick-tempered man and an even-tempered men.
I. A quick-tempered man is ...
1. inclined to do foolish things. A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless. A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated (Prov 14:16-17).
2. inclined to commit sins. An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins (Prov 29:22).
3. inclined to suffer trouble. Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control (Prov 25:28).
4. inclined to influence others with the same attitude. Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared (Prov 22:24-25).
II. An even-tempered man is ...
1. overlooking insults. A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult (Prov 12:16)
2. overcoming with patience. A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense (Prov 19:11)
3. overtaken with understanding. A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly (Prov 14:29).
4. overruled by the Holy Spirit. A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control (Prov 29:11; Gal 5:16-19).
I. A quick-tempered man is ...
1. inclined to do foolish things. A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless. A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated (Prov 14:16-17).
2. inclined to commit sins. An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins (Prov 29:22).
3. inclined to suffer trouble. Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control (Prov 25:28).
4. inclined to influence others with the same attitude. Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared (Prov 22:24-25).
II. An even-tempered man is ...
1. overlooking insults. A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult (Prov 12:16)
2. overcoming with patience. A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense (Prov 19:11)
3. overtaken with understanding. A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly (Prov 14:29).
4. overruled by the Holy Spirit. A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control (Prov 29:11; Gal 5:16-19).
Further Applications
1. Avoid strife…It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel (Prov 20:3).
2. Appease quarrel… A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel (Prov 15:18).
3. Amend dispute… Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out (Prov 17:14).
1. Avoid strife…It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel (Prov 20:3).
2. Appease quarrel… A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel (Prov 15:18).
3. Amend dispute… Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out (Prov 17:14).
