Short Faces

(Proverbs 14:17 KJV)  He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

A fool “dealeth” (acts NASB) (6213a) “foolishly” (200).  How?  Other places we see other examples but here it focuses on being “quick-tempered” (7116/639).

The KJV correctly breaks this down into two words.  “Soon” (7116) means short.  “Angry” (639), while usually translated anger, can mean face, nostril or nose.  So literally it means having a short face.  You can just see the look of rage that overcomes a face like this.  We might use the term short fuse.

It is clear that this is wrong.  While anger can have a place in a godly life, a short fuse is the mark of a lack of discipline and focus.  I have certain things that set me off.  I struggle with them.  If I don’t they will dilute my spiritual life to the point of danger.  I am starting with the triggers that come with great regularity, like crazy, narcissistic, dangerous drivers.  I am praying for a different attitude and while I wait working on discipline.

So?  How is your fuse?  Is it burning short lately?  Join me in the battle.  Repent, pray, focus, change.