A Pressing Issue!

From the words of Agur we read…
“(32) If you have been foolish, exalting yourself, or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth. (33) For PRESSING MILK produces curds, PRESSING THE NOSE produces blood, and PRESSING ANGER produces strife.” ( Proverbs 30:32-33 ESV)

The beginning of verse 33 in the New King James Version reads, “for as the churning of milk produces butter.” I’ve seen a butter churn, but have never tried one. The churn was one of my wife’s experiences. She grew up on a farm and reminisces about a cow they had whose milk had such thick cream that when trying to make whipped cream they would end up with butter instead.

The second pressing thing mentioned by Agur -- the pressing of the nose -- is something I know a bit about since I wrestled during my junior and senior high school years and one year in college. My nose got pressed into the mat more than once, causing me to bleed on the mat, on myself, and on my opponent.

Though we may understand what happens with the milk and the nose, it is the third part I believe the writer of this section of Proverbs wanted us to really take to heart. Though it may be often observed and experienced, the proper caution is not always exercised. Like pressing or churning makes butter and pressing the nose can result in a nose bleed, the real “pressing issue” is to acknowledge that which produces strife. There comes a time when we need to put our hand over our mouth (vs.32) and realize we have said enough. To keep running off the mouth only creates more trouble. Going on and on, ANGRILY pressing a point further, may only lead to more intense conflict rather than resolution. How often have we seen (or experienced) ANGER only serving to agitate and stir up more trouble by adding fuel to the fire that may have already been sparked? If ANGER is not restrained our resentments most often end up being taken too far.

When we allow ANGER to get the best of us it usually brings out the worst in us. It also opens the door for the devil’s work. ( Ephesians 4:26-27) Instead of exalting ourselves ( Proverbs 30:32) let us seek to maintain a gentle and humble spirit to help us retain control as we interact with others.

Have a great day ENJOYING THE REWARD OF RESTRAINING THE RAGE!
Carl

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