I recently had a conversation with someone about anger in which we discussed how everyone is different when dealing with the emotion of anger. Some internalize and then blow up, while others just blow up every time they feel angry. Those that deal with anger correctly are able to hold their tongue when emotions are involved until the right time comes to speak. As I was reading in Ecclesiastes, this verse jumped out as God’s answer as to how we should handle our anger.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore, let thy words be few. For context, the verses surrounding this verse refer to God’s view of our making a vow before Him and not keeping it; however, the verse is also true when applied to our daily lives.
Think about the last time your child, your spouse, or your dog crossed you. Did you utter out of anger something like this: “If you ever do that again, I’ll…(fill in the blank)?” Instead, did you hold your tongue to allow the anger to pass before properly addressing the issue?
I know I am guilty of being rash with my tongue at times. God tells us to slow down and not…be hasty. He tells us how to respond in Proverbs 15:1, A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The next time that we feel angry, let us remember to hold our tongues and then when our emotions are under control to respond with a soft answer. Our families deserve our best, and God gave us the biblical principles to provide it by reacting and responding correctly.
by Melissa Caperton
