Proverbs – Day 24

Graham Barnes

February 1

Day 24: Anger, violence and the quarreller - part 1

When the LORD passed before Moses, He said: "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (Ex. 34:6)."

Not all anger is sinful. When we hear of wrongdoing we are rightly to be stirred to anger. The Lord Jesus looked with anger upon the hard hearts of some of His hearers (Mark 3:5). Yet, Ephesians 4:26-27 warns us: "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." Do not let your anger carry over to tomorrow. Deal with it now, and give the devil no opportunity to get at us.

These proverbs tell us that hatred causes strife (Prov. 10:12) and that a hot temper and folly go together (Prov. 14:29). In Genesis, we meet Lamech, a controlling and brutal husband who boasted, "I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me (Gen. 4:23)." How great that our Lord is gentle and lowly in heart!

There are difficult proverbs, such as, "violent men get riches (Prov. 11:16)." Yet, in the end the violent man will have strife (Prov. 13:10). A righteous person shows regard for all of God's creation, but the wicked person shows cruelty disguised as mercy (Prov.12:10).

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

- Prov. 10:12

A gracious woman gets honour, and violent men get riches.

- Prov. 11:16

Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

- Prov. 12:10

From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.

- Prov. 13:2

By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.

- Prov. 13:10

A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.

- Prov. 14:17

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

- Prov. 14:29

O Gracious God, You are holy, yet without diminishing Your holiness, You are slow to anger and gracious to us. We are to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. Help us keep these proverbs.

You created all things and we are to show regard for all of Your creation.

Please replace our hot tempers with gentleness and self-control.

Please replace our quarrelling with a spirit that is teachable and kind.

We ask in Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Graham Barnes