6 Minute Read
Be Still
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a couple of minutes to breathe deeply, to quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, prayerfully ask the Lord to speak to you in this time and let Him know that you will be listening and will make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Today’s Bible Reading:
Hosea 4:1–5:15
2 John 1:1-13
Psalm 125:1-5
Proverbs 29:9-11
Listen to the Lord
Slowly and reflectively read the following verses and listen to what God will say to you through them. Then, consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
Proverbs 29:11 (NLT): “Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.”
Reflections from Scripture:
We live in a society where we are told to just let things out. So if you are feeling it, then just let ‘er rip.
This is why much yelling happens within family contexts behind closed doors. It’s why many vehicle horns are used in traffic. It’s why slanderous things are spread about someone who inflicted hurt.
But, we are told in Proverbs 29:11 that it is a fool who simply lets his / her sinful nature run wild as they express the anger inside of their heart. It is simpletons who “vent their anger.”
So, what does a wise person do? He “quietly holds it back.”
The Hebrew word used to translate the previous phrase is used only two other times in Scripture. In both cases, it is used to talk of quieting a raging storm.
Psalms 65:7 (NLT): “You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations.”
Psalm 89:9 (NLT): “You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves.”
So, what is to be done the next time we are angered? Are we to just let it all out? Are we to “vent our anger?” Well, if you want to be a fool, the answer is “yes.”
But, if you are someone who has the wisdom that God wants to give you (read James 1:5-8), then you will do what is needed to calm the raging storm within you.
How can you calm the raging storm of anger inside of you? Here are just a few reactions to consider:
- Pray and ask God to turn your anger into peace and love.
- Realize that an emotional upheaval can radically impact your physical body. So, get rid of the stress by going for a brisk walk, a run, or a bike ride.
- Think of something good and kind that you can do for the one who angered you.
Spend Time in Prayer
Lord Jesus, I sometimes find myself getting a bit upset, even angry. I pray that I would never dishonor You by giving vent to my wrath. Instead, help me to demonstrate godly wisdom by doing whatever it takes to quietly hold my anger back. I pray this in Your Name, Amen.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook or Twitter.
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