Proverbs 12:16 (NIV)
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
Ever get get annoyed with someone? Of course that answer is yes! Annoyances come in a variety of ways through our relationship with others. Sometimes people we meet don't give us much respect or credit. That can be annoying. Sometimes people give us corny nicknames or say things about us as a joke that we find offensive. Annoying! But, whatever the case, prudent people overlook insults, even if a situation gets us RED HOT and mad. Look again at Proverbs 12:16 in the New American Standard Version: "A fool’s anger is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor." This proverb tells us that everyone knows it when foolish people get angry because they let everyone know. This is so true. Take notice of people who can't control there outbursts of anger. There actions demonstrate foolishness. Outbursts of wrath are a work of the flesh according to Galatians 5:20. That means that flipping out or lashing back at others is simply a visible demonstration of the sinful nature controlling one's life.
So, if being patient rather that being quick to wrath means we act prudently, what does prudent mean? Prudence is "acting with or showing care and thought for the future." If we are considering the outcome of a situation, we will be careful how we react in the midst of it. Even if we are annoyed and mad we do well to be patient and think of the outcome of every situation in life. Our desire for EVERYONE should be that they would have every opportunity to hear the Gospel and see God's love demonstrated in our life. This is why James writes "This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." (1:19) Let's take his advice today.
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