There is much debate in this nation as to how words can stir up anger, hatred and strife. This is such a powerful truth. Proverbs 15:18 (AMP) says: “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger and patient calms disputes.” Another version (AMPC) says: “he who is slow to anger appeases contention”. When we let anger take over our mental and emotional states, it removes the logical and common sense filters that allow us to “think before speaking or acting”. We then go on a word or action tirade, and once it’s finished, the damage is done. We have probably hurt others with our words or actions, and might even have destroyed relationships. In some cases, people can lose their job, their spouse, a friend, and in some cases, even land in jail for hurting or even killing someone in a fit of rage. Ephesians 4:26 (EHV) says:“ Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”. It’s not a sin to be angry. What is a sin is if you allow your anger to control your actions, thoughts and decisions, thus causing you to do things that are sinful in nature. Anger can be used constructively. You can break a bad habit if you get angry enough to begin the process of breaking the habit. In many cases, people will not do anything about a problem until they have had it and they can’t take it any more. Anger is a good servant but a bad master. So instead of immediately giving in to anger, be slow to anger. Let patience have it’s work in the midst of the challenges of life. In doing so, you will be known as the person who can appease or calm potentially dangerous contentions and disputes. This way, issues will be resolved instead of relationships being destroyed. God is the God of peace, not of dissension and contention! We are His people, so let’s flow with His nature!
Oops, I should have not spoken so quickly!
One of the great sins of our day is that many speak out before knowing the truth about an issue. They will hear an accusation on someone and begin spreading what is simply a gossip or a misunderstanding without first confirming whether or not it was true. This is a sin and displeasing to God. Psalm 141:3 says: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips [to keep me from speaking thoughtlessly].” The Proverbist instructs us to listen before we speak: Proverbs 18:13 (TPT) “Listen before you speak, for to speak before you’ve heard the facts will bring humiliation.” I think we all have been embarrassed at sometime in our lives because we have spoken without all of the facts, and someone has had to bring correction to us, sometimes publicly. It is wisdom to listen much more that we speak Proverbs 18:17(TPT) says: “There are two sides to every story. The first one to speak sounds true until you hear the other side and they set the record straight.” We need to pray like David: “Set a guard O Lord, over my mouth.” Use your mouth and words to bring life, healing, peace, righteousness and justice. Remember, you are God’s ambassador!
