THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
HI!
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Prov 15:18
18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
KJV
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Anger is only one letter away from danger. To act spitefully or with vengeance in anger is sin.
Let us remember the words of our Dear Savior right after He taught "The Disciple's Prayer." (Matt 6:14-15) "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Our passions sometimes get the best of us. And even when we learn to control them physically, we too often release them verbally. James says, "From whence come wars and fightings among you?" (James 4:1) They come from noncontrol of our emotional passions: envy, jealousy, anger. Our text says two important things about the control of anger.
First, the "wrathful man stirreth up strife." One person, by releasing anger through words, can give occasion for others to quarrel. Sometimes peevish statements set people against one another by appealing to the emotions of another. It is SIN! It leads to self-debasement, and a growling/scowling attitude toward life. And if allowed to continue, anger will lead to harsh statements against others, and even MURDER! Anger is only one letter from danger!
If one does not take spiritual control over anger, it will lead to estrangement from the "brotherhood" of man, and even to the refusal of God's sovereignty!! God still hears the "blood" of those destroyed by the rumor mill and the gossip train today!
But God is loving and merciful. He seeks personal confession from the sinner, and genuine repentance from the sin.
Second, "but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife." Sin always crouches at the door of our hearts, bringing temptation and seeking to rule over us. But God will never allow a temptation to come without power to refuse! Yes, we have the power, through words, to kindle strife. But let us implore God for meekness, which is power under control.
Putting a control on our emotions both prevents strife and appeases it. Meekness puts a deaf ear to words spoken in anger, and speaks kind words in return. Let us put water on the fires!
Putting a spin on a popular statement: Remember, only YOU can prevent emotional fires!
Love ya,
Bruce