Are you slow to anger?


Proverbs 19:11--The use of prudence in this proverb is interesting. Typically Proverbs simply advises us to "be" slow to anger.

Proverbs 14:29 says that one who is slow to anger is a person who shows understanding.

I don't know about you, but for many years I didn't get the "how" to be slow to anger.

One of GOD's attributes is that He is slow to anger--and aren't we glad for that! But, He's omniscient He knows the repercussion of His anger--so He knows when to use it and when not.

He's GOD, and we're not. For some of us, being slow to anger is not one of our attributes. How can we change that?

That's why I love the use of prudence in this verse. Prudence is defined as: "being wise in practical affairs, as by providing for the future; caution with regard to practical matters; discretion." Now there's a practical way to instruct us in how to be "slow to anger."

Someone who can control their anger sees the value in assessing a situation before responding. Weighing the value of anger over patience. Caution over reaction. Discretion over defensiveness. Understanding over the need to be right.

They understand that a hurt or offense today could be a tool of reconciliation in the future. Not taking offense or getting angry could prevent bigger problems in the future.

And, when we control our anger we're better able to think, strategize, and most importantly, pray for direction.

Maybe, if our mind is so occupied with thinking these things through we won't have the brain space to get angry. 

The next time we're offended, provoked, or wronged, let's follow our Heavenly Father's example and apply wisdom through prudence.

May we apply prudence when provoked to anger, my friends.

Proverbs 19:11--Prudence makes one slow to anger and his glory is to overlook an offense. Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV#tlvbible #tlvproverbs

[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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