PROVERBS 16
28 A dishonest man spreads strife,
and a whisperer separates close friends.
29 A man of violence entices his neighbor
and leads him in a way that is not good.
30 Whoever winks his eyes plansdishonest things;
he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
– Proverbs 16:28-33
PROVERBS 28 WHEN YOU ARE SLOW TO ANGER
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you are slow to anger, you avoid strife
But if you are quick to react, you’ll provoke a fight
A violent man will always end up ruining relationships
While a patient man brings about joy and tranquility
When you are slow to anger, you radiate God’s character
When you are quick to have a temper, you exude the devil
A man slow to anger is better than any conqueror or victor
When someone rules his spirit, he can triumph over anything.
In this saying, the writer focuses on the importance of having a self-controlled life. When he is able to manage and discipline his whims and longings, he will not put himself in conflict with others. He will respect boundaries of others and ensure that he will not instigate any strife among others.
The violent man is also spoken about in verse 29 where they exercise control and manipulation towards others in order to have power over them. We’ve all known people like this in our lifetime once or twice, haven’t we? Those covert angry persons are harder to discover because they are so good at manipulating and hiding their wicked ways. It is sometimes too late for us to see the damage they have done to us.
The writer discusses the benefits of those who are slow to anger or those who have temperance. They know when to respond prudently and can bridle their emotions and tongue even though they are provoked by those who stir up trouble. He stresses the value of these self-disciplined men by comparing them to those conquerors. He considers them stronger than any leader, ruler or king.
REFLECTION
- Why should Christians be slow to anger and not manifest an angry temperament?
