An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Be a Control Freak

(Proverbs 29:11 KJV)  A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

It might be good to give the NASB translation here.


(Proverbs 29:11 NASB)  A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.

A “fool” (3684) and a “wise man” (2450).  Both experience inflammatory events.  Both are angry.  What is the difference?  It is not anger, but self control.  Both have a “mind" (temper NASB) (7307).  One gives in, one resists.

The sin in not anger.  We sometimes get this wrong.  God felt anger.  I believe when Jesus cleansed the temple He was angry.  What could be more clear than this statement:

(Ephesians 4:26 KJV)  Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

The sin is in losing your temper, in letting your emotions rule your roost.  It is possible to control any strong emotion, to change any entrenched habit, to sanctify any prejudice.  To paraphrase Tigger, “That is what Holy Spirits do best.”  Here the example is anger but the same applies to any excess in our lives from lust to gluttony. 

So?  Don’t let “losing your temper” be an excuse to give in to sin.  Repent of past sin.  Make restitution if the Spirit convinces you it is necessary.  Allow Him to do His work in you and allow Him to give you the control you need.

2 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

A good post, but not a popular thought in this day of self-righteous anger.

Pumice said...

My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will continue to work on me.

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I don't know how you get so much done.

Grace and peace.