How do we temper our temper?

Proverbs 29:11--Our temper has to do with our state of mind. We can get angry, but if we let that anger affect our state of mind, it's extremely difficult to control our behavior. Unless, we learn how.

There's a secondary definition of temper. As a noun, tempered metal produces varying degrees hardness or elasticity. Even chocolate can be tempered to be used in a more stable, artful way on sweet treats.

I like that image.

The tempering process involves heat, as you can imagine, but even more important is the cooling process--from metal to chocolate how the product is cooled determines its strength and usefulness.

Here's where we can see how tempering our state of mind is critical to controlling our anger. "Cooling" our state of mind to keep us from venting our anger can be done in many ways. I find these three steps helpful:
  1. Count to 10--my grandmother used to tell us to count to 10 before responding. The pause many times allows our stable state of mind to kick in. At the very least, it stays our emotions, keeping them from escalating.
  2. Breathe--It's typical while in stressful situations to hold our breath. Holding our breath actually increases our blood pressure. And, believe it or not, a little oxygen to the brain will help us think better, too.
  3. Walk away--If all else fails, walk away from the situation. This relieves us from the pressure of responding--verbally or physically. It will keep us from making a bad situation worse.

Tempering the heat of our anger means our state of mind is strong and stable. Stability is developed through wisdom. Wisdom is developed by training, living, and learning God's wisdom. And that's even better than chocolate.

May we temper our temper, my friends.

Proverbs 29:11--A fool gives full vent to his temper, but a wise man holds it back. Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible#tlvproverbs

[WATCH MONDAY through FRIDAY LIVE at 8:30EST, Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie dig a little deeper with the book of Proverbs. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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