It’s Smart to Be Patient

In review of Proverbs 14:29 this morning, it reminds me that “It’s smart to be patient” (CEV).

A wise man will control his temper. He sees and knows that anger causes mistakes. For a quick temper can be like a fire out of control, burning not only myself but everyone in its path. Anger divides people. It pushes me into hasty decisions that only cause bitterness and guilt. Yet what I’m learning is that anger, in itself, is not wrong. Anger can be a legitimate reaction to injustice and sin. When I feel myself getting angry, I need to look for the cause. Am I reacting to an evil situation that I'm going to set right? Or am I responding selfishly to a personal insult? I can pray that God will help me control my quick temper, channeling my feelings into effective action and conquering selfish anger through humility and repentance.

My life has an ebb and flow. Sometimes God wants me to move quickly, but sometimes he wants me to slow down. As Proverbs 14:29 says, “It’s smart to be patient” (CEV).

First, I should always move slowly when I don’t have all the facts. Our culture worships impulsiveness and spontaneity. It tells us that spur-of-the-moment, “gut” decisions are the right ones.

I’ve heard many times to “follow your heart.” But the Bible tells me, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

Feelings often lead me in the wrong direction. I need to rely on truth outside of myself.

The Bible is clear about that: “What a shame—yes, how stupid!—to decide before knowing the facts!” (Proverbs 18:13 TLB).

So when I don’t yet have all the facts, slow down. Don’t rely on my gut, heart, or my feelings. Take the time to look for objective truth outside of myself.

It’s also wise to move slowly when I’m hurt, angry, or depressed. When I’m upset, I tend to react and retaliate rather than acting wisely.

James 1:19 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (NIV).

There’s a rhythm in that verse. It says quick, slow, slow. If I’m quick to listen and slow to speak, I’ll automatically be slow to become angry. But if I’m slow to listen and quick to speak, I’ll be quick to become angry.

In another translation, Proverbs 14:29 says, “Patience leads to abundant understanding, but impatience leads to stupid mistakes” (CEB).

Proverbs 15:28 says, “The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking” (NLT). In other words, godly people put their minds in gear before their mouths.

Proverbs 15:18 tells me what to do instead: “Losing your temper causes a lot of trouble, but staying calm settles arguments” (CEV).

Sometimes I’m going to feel angry, hurt, or depressed. That’s just part of life. But the next time that happens, slow down. Don’t make quick decisions that I’m going to regret.

And the same is true when you don’t have all the facts. Instead of just “following my heart,” take the time to slow down and make a careful decision.

Remember: It’s smart to be patient.

In summary, it's smart to be patient. A wise man will control his temper. When I feel myself getting angry, I need to look for the cause. Am I reacting to an evil situation or to just a personal insult. I can pray that God will help me control my temper. I should always move slowly when I don't have all the facts. Also, feelings can often lead me in the wrong direction. I need to rely on truth outside of myself. So when I don't yet have all the facts, slow down. Don't rely on my gut, heart, or my feelings. It's wise to move slowly when I'm hurt, angry or depressed. If I'm quick to listen, slow to speak, I'll automatically be slow to anger. So don't make quick decisions that I'm going to regret. The same is true when I don't have all the facts. Take the time to slow down and make a careful decision. After all, it's smart to be patient.

Slower responses on my end will help me not react harshly. I should look for the reason behind any anger. It is just or selfish. Be sure to get all the facts before making a decision. Father this morning I pray that with the help of your Spirit that you I’m reminded of this perspective throughout my day and into this week. I also ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. These things I pray through your Son Jesus name, Amen.