Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense...
Proverbs 19:11
Maybe I’ve been going about this backwards. I try to be slow to anger. But perhaps I should focus on trying to have good sense.
The order in this verse is “Good sense makes one slow to anger,” not “Those slow-to-anger show good sense” (although that is true also).
Too often I focus on wanting to eliminate the behavior. And become discouraged when I don’t – because it’s a rotten piece of my heart that needs excising instead. The piece that doesn’t use good sense.
Good sense (Hebrew: sekel) means intelligence, insight, discretion, prudence, understanding, wisdom.
So seeking wisdom (which personified is Jesus himself) is the route to slowing my anger. And the way to become beautifully embellished is to not get hot-headed over every little offense.
Jesus sure didn’t. Even when on trial for his life, his ability to maintain silence and not revert to defending his reputation impressed Pilate (Matthew 27:13-14).
Jesus impresses me, too. And I want to be more like him.
Learning this week:
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
Proverbs 19:20
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Visit more Memory Monday verses at The Simple Wife.
4 comments:
Lisa, I find that the only way I can overlook an offense is to "tattle" to God. This way I don't even start talking about this offense to others which only ends up fueling my anger. And then I also don't stuff my feelings. Then I can forgive the other person, knowing that God knows what really happened and how it hurt me. I trust that He alone knows the truth, not only my version. And I ask Him to change what needs to be changed in me. Then I can pray for the person who I believe hurt me. Praying for someone who wronged me ends up changing my attitude towards them.
This can only happen if I submit and yield it all to the Lord. Then He can work in me and through me to reach others. And then I become more like Jesus.
Blessings to you,
Debbie
Great comments, Debbie! You are so right - as we express our true feelings/thoughts to God, He is the one who changes us as we need to be changed. It all starts with submitting to him.
Blessings to you, too,
Lisa
Amen Lisa! I really enjoy reading your Memory Monday posts. And this one is no exception! When you said "Too often I focus on wanting to eliminate the behavior." I thought how true that is for me sometimes. Sometimes I guess we can focus too much on the things in us we want to overcome. But the fact is, maybe we should be focusing more on Christ and on our relationship with God and allow Him to do the changing in His time. That doesn't mean we don't try. But I think sometimes we put too much focus on the things we think we need to overcome to the point that we're not really focusing on the true Source of change and that is God Himself. He is the One who helps us change and who gives us the strength to take the steps needed in order to effect the change. Really, simply put, it's all about Him.
Hope you have a great week!
Karen
Amen back at you, Karen. My tendency is to do like you said: keep focusing on what *I* need to change when I should be focusing on God himself. Being changed involves more of that "waiting" stuff, huh?
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