The Danger in Anger

In summary of Proverbs 20:3 it says, “Any fool can start arguments; the honorable thing is to stay out of them.”

Bottom Line:

The foolish will start or participate in arguments. Avoiding arguments is honorable.

What this means to me:

It is much more honorable for me to stay out of an argument than to be in one.  Wise people are peacemakers, not troublemakers. A wise person won’t carry a chip on his shoulder. They are not always looking for a fight, and they don’t intentionally antagonize others.  If I have  been around some for any length of time, I’ll usually know what irritates them, and I can potentially use it aa tool when I get in an argument. It can be a weapon of mass destruction! When I get in an argument, and that person says something that hurts, offends, or slights me in any way, then I’m apt to pull out the big gun.  The Bible calls that? Stupid!  I’m not getting any closer to the resolution and I’m certainly not helping the relationship.  It is not wise. Today’s verse Proverbs 20:3 says this, “Any fool can start arguments; the honorable thing is to stay out of them” (TEV).  My default reaction will likely be to use all the tools, tricks of the trade, and skills in relationships that will actually be counter productive. They’re hurtful, they’re harmful, and they won’t get me what I want out of relationships. In fact, they will get me the exact opposite.  Proverbs 14:29 says, “A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes” (LB). When I get angry, my intelligence goes out the window. When I get angry, I say and do stupid things that are actually self-defeating.  In summary, I need to keep my cool, be patient and avoid arguments or pushing people's buttons.