Proverbs 14:29 "One slow to anger is of great understanding, but he who is short of spirit exalts folly."

The first day I tried to write about anger, I found myself getting plenty of experience in the matter. Someone approached me, by e-mail, in the pretense of having concern for my medical difficulties. But it soon changed to trying to convince me of their way of believing and on to making negative and judgmental comments about my church, beliefs, and relationship with God. This conversation went on for a few days partly because I wanted to defend my beliefs and because they were hitting on a very sensitive subject. I can see now that I should have just ended the conversation much sooner, but when you're in the middle of the situation it's hard to be objective about it.

During this conversation I felt myself going from frustrated to angry and at the same time I was trying to write about anger. So I had to tell myself to practice what I was going to write. That's when I listened to the little voice that said to start praying for help with the situation and for help to stay calm. After praying I came to the conclusion that the best thing was to turn off the computer and walk away. In this situation I was short of spirit. Had I been slow to anger I would have prayed first and ended the conversation as soon as I saw where it was headed.

Anger shows itself in different ways. There's the short tempered person who flashes anger and reacts without taking time to even think about what they're doing. Those are the ones who make fools of themselves, which only adds to their frustration and anger.

There's the person who simmers quietly, plotting how to get even. While they might not end up looking like a fool, they often bring harm and sadness to other and wind up being very much disliked and lonely. Proverbs 14:17 He who is short of temper acts foolishly; and a man of evil plots is hated.

Then there's the person who is always angry. Not only are they miserable, but they make everyone else around them miserable. They're not happy with anyone or anything. They usually end up with digestive problems, heart problems, and various other medical problems. Anger and discontent is very hard the body. Anger can also lead to depression. A person who is constantly angry only sees the negatives in life. This negative view of life can lead to feelings of hopelessness and futility. At the same time, the angry person is going around upsetting those around them. If anger isn't kept in check it can often grow and cause the person to react and harm others.

Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirs up contention, and a furious one abounds in transgression.

Proverbs 15:18 A furious man stirs up quarreling, but he who is slow to anger calms fighting.

The best way to get along with others is to keep a cool head and pray. It is the only way to be able to be objective about the situation and put an end to it.

For further reading go to:
Love Doesn't Get Angry