PROVERBS 14
29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,
but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
30 A tranquilheart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
31 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,
but he who is generous to the needy honors him.
32 The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing,
but the righteous finds refuge in his death.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding,
but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor,
but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.
– Proverbs 14:29-35
PROVERBS 14 SLOW TO ANGER VERSUS A HASTY TEMPER
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Those who follow the way of the righteous are slow to anger
They know how to rend their emotions even though in times of danger
They have patience and a mind that does not to jump to conclusions
They don’t judge others; they see the big picture and have understanding
The one who is wicked and self-centered are quick to get angry
They are impatient, don’t listen and don’t care for the welfare of others
They quickly judge others without all the facts; they have a hasty temper
The wicked only want self-gratification in the fastest time possible.
James 1:19-20 reiterates Solomon’s proverb here in verse 29. The book of James expounds the importance of holding your reactions. He says in the mentioned verse in chapter 1 “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. So, the absence of self-control in a man is a result of the absence of the Spirit of God in him according to Paul in Galatians 5:17. The desires of the flesh and Spirit are in opposition.
REFLECTION
- How can we develop a patient attitude towards others?
