READING: Proverbs 13-15
I grew up in a home where my dad was often angry. He changed a bit when he became a grandfather, and then the Lord changed him dramatically when he became a believer at age 71 — so I’m grateful for having seen God’s grace work miracles. At the same time, though, I recognize that I could easily also become quickly angry were it not for God’s Spirit living in me. The only reason I don’t get fiercely angry when things go wrong is because God’s Spirit trumps my sinful spirit.
The writer of Proverbs in today’s reading knew the danger and the results of anger: “A quick-tempered person does foolish things” (Prov 14:17); “one who is quick-tempered displays folly” (Prov 14:29); “a hot-tempered person stirs up conflict” (Prov 15:18). If I could summarize some of the actions I’ve seen in angry people (both in and outside the church) over the years, I’d use words like silliness, childishness, craziness, and ridiculousness; that is, I’ve watched angry people do things that bordered on the absurd when they were most angry. Uncontrolled anger can make the most sane man irrational, the most loving man mean, the most gracious woman rude. The result is often only increased conflict, just like the writer of Proverbs said.
That’s again one reason why it’s so important that the Spirit of God indwells believers. The Spirit calms the heart in such a way that even the most violently angry man can be changed into a teddy bear who’s fun to love. My dad became evidence of that kind of miraculous power.
ACTION STEPS:
- Evaluate whether you have a tendency to be an angry person. If so, spend some time confessing that truth to God.
- If you know others who are angry people, pray for God’s power to overwhelm them.
- Any time you even think about getting angry today, stop and ask God to transform your thinking right then. Let Him work a miracle.
PRAYER: “God, make me kind, not angry. Grant me grace to think and respond to all things in ways that are pleasing to You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Proverbs 16-18
