Proverbs - Slow to Anger

Proverbs 16:32

 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty;

and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Our culture esteems loud and pushy people as mighty and often influential.  The Lord tells us that the one who can put their anger in submission to Him, will be called mighty and the one who can rule their own spirit will accomplish great victories.  When we are around our children, husbands or co-workers we may find ourselves provoked or slowly boiling by different triggers.   These are the times we must call upon the Lord asking Him to rule over us and hence we can rule over our own spirits and reactions.  We are never forced to blow up or give in to wrath. 

When Jesus came into the temple and knocked over the tables, he did something interesting first.  John 2:14-15 tells us this: “And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple…” When he found something was not what it should be, he did not react suddenly.  He made this scourge of small cords.  He got the materials together; he focused on making it and then proceeded with reaction and discipline. 

When we are provoked, perhaps justifiably, we should rule over our spirits and not react in haste.  Consider what sort of reaction should be woven together.  Let our response be designed by the Lord so that the reaction is from Him and our response pleases Him.