Wise Restraint in God

Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There's more hope for a fool than for them. A fool gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.

Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet. Evil-doers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad. The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger. If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright. Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. And now here's verse 20.

Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Wise Restraint in God, written by Tim Gustafson Following the South's catastrophic loss at Gettysburg in the American Civil War, General Robert E. Lee led his battered troops back to Southern Territory. Heavy rains flooded the Potomac River, blocking his retreat. President Abraham Lincoln urged General George Meade to attack, but Meade's men were just as weary as Lee's.

He wrested his troops. Lincoln picked up his quill and wrote a letter in which he confessed he was distressed immeasurably at Meade's reluctance to pursue Lee. On the envelope are these words in the president's handwriting.

To General Meade, never sent or signed. And indeed, it never was. Long before Lincoln, another great leader grasped the importance of reining in our emotions. Anger, no matter how justified, is a dangerously powerful force.

Do you see someone who speaks in haste? King Solomon asked in Proverbs 29. There is more hope for a fool than for them. Solomon knew that by justice a king gives a country stability. He also understood that fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

And in the end, not sending that letter prevented Lincoln from demoralizing his top general, helped win a necessary war, and contributed to the healing of a nation. We do well to learn from examples like his of wise restraint. Would you pray with me? Dear Heavenly Father, please grant us the wisdom and self-control to restrain our anger and speak with patience and grace. Help us to be peacemakers, bring calm and healing in moments of conflict as we follow You. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. As you go about your day, reflect on these questions. Why is it important to cautiously give vent to your emotions? How will you do this the next time you're angry?