A Hot Item!

There are “hot items” people rush out to buy before they are gone; “hot offers” they don’t want to chance missing out on. There are also “hot topics” people like to get in on the discussion of because they hold opinions they want to have heard. However, there is another “hot item” that may be preferable to avoid.

Solomon cautioned…
“A MAN OF GREAT WRATH will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.” ( Proverbs 19:19 ESV)

The New International Version calls him a “hot-tempered man.” There are some people who just don’t seem to learn or are at least slow to do so. Due to a lack of SELF-CONTROL they get themselves into trouble again and again, and if bailed out may begin to expect it. Therefore, such a one may end up taking advantage of their rescuer time after time while failing to change their behavior. The counselor’s term for that kind of help is “enabling.” Unfortunately there are individuals and situations where the only way they will ever learn is to face fully the consequences of their actions.

Solomon also urged…
“(24) Make NO FRIENDSHIP WITH a man given to anger, NOR GO WITH a wrathful man, (25) LEST YOU LEARN HIS WAYS and entangle yourself in a snare.” ( Proverbs 22:24-25 ESV)

Not only can one be taken advantage of or be burned by one with a hot temper, but it is also possible to become influenced by them as well. To join in close association with one who lacks such SELF-CONTROL can be dangerous in many ways.

It is not enough to avoid the “hot-tempered” individual, but also to be mindful of the influencing power of our own actions. In exercising SELF-CONTROL there is potential to calm or put out the fire of contention.

Solomon noted…
“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but HE WHO IS SLOW TO ANGER QUIETS CONTENTION.” ( Proverbs 15:18 ESV)

We may not be able to change others, but we can work on changes in our own life that can keep us out of trouble and have a positive impact on those around us. Learning to leave some things in God’s hands (i.e. Romans 12:19) may be the first step in gaining control of our anger.

Have a great day KEEPING A COOL HEAD AND CONTROLLED TONGUE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Anger