Lesson 16 Proverbs

Anger We previously studied having a disciplined spirit which has its roots in controlling our anger. However, Proverbs has more to say about anger and its influence over our behavior. Have you ever been angry? It is a natural emotion for which we will be judged based on how we handle it. Mark 11:15-18 – Jesus drove away the money changers Romans 1:18 – Jehovah has wrath toward all ungodliness and unrighteousness. Eph. 4:26 - “Be angry and sin not.”

Uncontrolled Anger Arouses Nothing Good, and Only Trouble It acts foolishly Pr. 12:16 – “A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covert shame.” Pr. 22:24-25 – “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” What is our reaction when things do not go our way? How do I react to a slow car in the passing lane? How do I handle incompetency? How do I handle that constant drip? Does my anger make me that constant drip? Pr. 27:15-16

Uncontrolled Anger Arouses Nothing Good, and Only Trouble It abounds in sin Pr. 29:22 – “An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.” Pr. 14:16-17 – “A wise man fears, and departs from evil: but the fool rages, and is confident. He is that is soon angry deals foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. Aristotle: “Anyone can become angry, but to become angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, in the right way is not easy.”

Uncontrolled Anger Arouses Nothing Good, and Only Trouble It produces strife. Pr. 30:33 – “Surely the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bring forth strife.” Pr. 17:19 – “He loves transgression that loves strife…” Rage is when your whole temper becomes unglued and the decibels are barely audible; doors regret being doors; walls tremble with vibrations, and wingless objects learn to fly.

Uncontrolled Anger Arouses Nothing Good, and Only Trouble Its fruits are hard to overcome. Pr. 18:19 – “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.” Pr. 21:9, 19 – “It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house… 19 it is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.” We often say in jest. “If mama ain’t happy, nobody is happy.” Pr. 19:19 – “A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if you deliver him, yet thou must do it again.”

What things lead to uncontrolled anger? Hatred Pr. 10:12 – “Hatred stirs up strife: but love covers all sins.” Backbiting Pr. 25:23 – “The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.” Whispering Pr. 16:28 – “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” Pr. 26:20-22 – “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.”

What things lead to uncontrolled anger? Pride Pr. 28:25 – “He that is of proud heart stirs up strife...” Pr. 13:10 – “Only by pride comes contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” Pr. 21:24 – “Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who deals in proud wrath.” When individuals are too proud to admit they are wrong, or who carry a “chip on their shoulder,” they will constantly have “hurt feelings” and be in the midst of contention and strife.

What things lead to uncontrolled anger? Lips of a fool Pr. 18:6 – “A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes.” Pr. 20:3 – “It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.”

How can wise men turn away wrath? A soft answer Pr. 15:1 – “A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Gifts Pr. 21:14 – “A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.” Pr. 25:21 – “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.” Kill them with kindness.

How can wise men turn away wrath? Be slow to anger James 1:19 – “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath.” Rule your own spirit Pr. 29:11 – “A fool utters all his mind: but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards.” Discretion Pr. 19:11 – “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”

Conclusion Mt. 5:43-48 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”