“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention” (Proverbs 15:18).
The world feels angrier than ever. Tempers flare in traffic, at work, online, and even in our homes. A single comment or disagreement can ignite a storm of emotion and words we later regret. Proverbs reminds us that anger does not just rise within us; it spreads, stirring up conflict wherever it goes.
The Bible’s wisdom on anger is not a command to suppress emotion but an invitation to reflect the heart of God. The Lord Himself is described as “slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). To walk in His ways is to learn that same restraint, to let love lead before frustration takes over.
Anger itself is not always wrong, but how we handle it determines whether it builds up or destroys. Unchecked anger blinds us. It makes us defensive rather than discerning. It closes our ears when we most need to listen. But a heart that seeks patience and humility has the power to calm a storm, restore peace, and bring healing where tension once reigned.
Imagine how our relationships would change if we were quick to listen and slow to speak. How many conflicts could be avoided in our homes, workplaces, and communities if we met irritation with grace instead of retaliation? A gentle word, spoken in love, has far greater power than an angry one shouted in haste.
Jesus modeled this perfectly. When He was insulted, He did not retaliate. When He was wronged, He responded with forgiveness. His strength was not found in explosive emotion but in steady love. True discipleship means learning that kind of self-control, a control that comes not from willpower but from the Spirit of God within us.
Anger feels powerful in the moment, but peace has the lasting victory. A calm spirit reflects the character of Christ and quiets the noise of contention around us.
Are you known for stirring up strife or calming it? When irritation rises, do you react or respond? Ask God to help you grow in patience so that your words bring peace rather than pain.
PRAYER
Father, help me to be slow to anger and quick to listen. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my words and actions bring peace instead of conflict. Teach me to respond as Jesus did, with love, patience, and self-control. Amen.
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