"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ON HOW TO DEAL WITH ANGER, AND OTHER BITS OF WISDOM"
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
It has been said, that the " Book of Psalms, was written mostly by King David tells us how to look up", and that the Book of Proverbs, largely authored by David's Son, King Solomon, "tells us how to wise up"
"The Book of Psalms helps us to fill us with praise to God, but we also need guidance in the most practical of matters each day. These two books are at the heart of the Bible. Psalms keep our thoughts on heaven; Proverbs keeps our feet on earth" Dr. David Jeremiah.
These 3 verses give us God's guidance on several issues we as we walk this pilgrim path towards our heavenly home with Jesus Christ.
1. Here's God's wisdom on how to deal with an angry person.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Or, to put it another way, if we answer someone with a gentle answer, it will help to turn away their wrath, or their anger. But, if we answer them in a harsh way, it will stir up anger. Perhaps in them, and in us.
There is no end to the potential angry encounters we might face on any given day. But, what we have here is God's prescription on how to deal with those angry encounters. God is the wisest person there is. And, He does not lie, in fact, He cannot. So, His teaching for us on how to deal with an angry encounter is found right here.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Soft means, tender, delicate, gentle. Harsh on the other hand, means, sorrow, labour, grievous, pain, hardship.
2. Here's how to be wise in the use of our tongues. And, also what a fool does with his tongue.
Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
A wise man will use knowledge in the right way. Or, as the NLT says, " The wise person makes learning a joy"
Isn't that interesting. We can actually, by God's grace, power, and guidance, use the knowledge He has given us, and, when speaking actually experience joy. We can learn as we speak, and have joy in doing so,
But, and, how many times have we experienced this next part.
Proverbs 15:2b But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Or again, as the NLT says, "Fools spout only foolishness"
Wise means, a wise man, cunning, subtle, skillful, learned, prudent. Wise ethically and religiously.
Fools means, foolish, stupid, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one.
Lord, please help us to be wise, and not foolish.
3. Here is a comforting or uncomfortable truth about our LORD and His eyes.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Now, I say comforting, but, it may not sound comforting if a person is trying to hide something, something they know is not right. On the other hand, it is comforting to know that God who is all knowledgeable is constantly watching everywhere, and He is keeping His eye on both the evil and the good.
We can't see everything, but God can without any trouble. He is very aware of everything that is happening.
He sees both the evil and the good.
Sometimes we wonder about evil that is going on, and think where is the Lord, doesn't He see this? Yes, He does. And, what a joy to also know, that He sees the good that is taking place. What a great and awesome God we serve and know.
Some questions:
1. Can you remember the last time you "flew off the handle?. A nice way of saying, "you lost your self control, or temper?
2. Do you remember how it made you feel? I'm sure you do. It's not very pleasant.
3. Do you know that God is not mad at you for getting mad?
4. Do you know that God will help you if you ask Him to?.
5. How would you measure the use of your tongue at this time in your life?. Are you using it wisely, or foolishly?.
6. Are you concerned about someone or some persons who are doing evil things?.
7. Will you please take comfort in knowing that God knows about it. And, He will deal with it in His own perfect timing.
8. How about this. What about the good that is being done, either towards you, or by you towards others.
Will you take great delight in knowing that God sees it, and it matters to Him. And, He is very aware of every detail involved.
A prayer:
Father, Your Proverbs through Solomon and others are so close to home. They hit us right where we live.
Thank You for giving them to us. And, we ask that in Your giving them to us, that You would also give us hearts that understand Your wisdom, and want to put it into practice in our day to day lives. Thank You in advance, In Jesus name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
