Learning to Think Before I Speak in Anger

In review of Proverbs 29:11 it says, “Stupid people express their anger openly, but sensible people are patient and hold it back.”

Bottom Line:

A Fool will quickly vent his anger, but a sensible person will be patient.

What this means to me:

I shouldn’t act foolishly by quickly venting my anger, rather I should be wise and respond with a sensible quiet calmness.

Anger causes surprise and confusion in many people. In general, they simply don’t know how to handle it. Scripture’s simplest yet most profound answer for our anger comes in Proverbs 29:11: “Stupid people express their anger openly, but sensible people are patient and hold it back” (GNT).

What I’m learning is that I should think before I speak. Delay can be a tremendous remedy for anger. I don’t need to delay indefinitely. If I’ve got an issue you need to deal with, I need to do so, as anger delayed indefinitely becomes bitterness.

If I respond impulsively, I’ll tend to respond in anger. However, If you wait to talk about whatever conflict I’m dealing with, I’ll be more rational and reasonable when I do. The longer I hold my temper, the better my response will be. So, I should learn to give myself time to think.

Here are five things I can consider while I’m giving myself time to think:

T: Is it truthful? Is what I’m about to say the truth?

H: Is it helpful? Or will it simply harm the other person?

I: Is it inspirational? Does it build up or does it tear down?

N: Is it necessary? If it’s not necessary, why do I need to say it?

K: Is it kind?

In summary, I shouldn’t act foolishly by quickly venting my anger, rather I should be wise and respond with a sensible quiet calmness. I need to learn to think before I speak and reflect before I react. Doing so will help me slow down my anger every time.