Are you a Ticking Time Bomb?
May 14, 2012
Ever felt like exploding, blowing up, going off, or releasing your full fury at an individual because of an unforeseen situation? If so, have you ever considered the fact that your uncontrolled anger can leave behind devastating results similar to a ticking time bomb when it goes off? Please stop at this very minute and think about our society today and the many disturbing reports demonstrating just this type of thoughtless, destructive behavior…
Now given the numerous news reports seen daily in the media, clearly we must see the obvious benefits of demonstrating composure (self-control) in all situations. Fact: The ability to govern (rule) one’s emotions and passions denotes wisdom (understanding, knowledge, and good judgment) and grace (refinement, polish, and poise)
Those who react without first given thought to the appropriate handling of any given situation are acting unwise; therefore the bible refers to them as fools.
Observation:
Ecclesiastes 7:9 – Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. (KJV)
Background:
King Solomon provided many examples of the vanity of this world and the things of it. In our Scripture verse today he reminds us to take care of our reputation by demonstrating prudence in the managing of all affairs.
Interpretation:
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry:
Hasty means: (quick, speedy, hurried, swift, rushed¸ fast)
Angry means: (annoyed, irritated, mad, livid, fuming)
In biblical history, we are given a grand example of a person who acted with hastiness in spirit to be angry. Walk back with me to the account of our Savior’s betrayal recorded in the book of St. Matthew.
Matthew 26: 50-53 – 50And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him. 51And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. 52Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
***Note: This biblical account recorded in the 18th book of John (verses 10-11) reveals both the Disciple’s name (Simon Peter) who acted in hast and the recipient of his destructive anger, (the High Priest’s Servant, Malchus.)
Now before we become judgmental with regards to Peter’s action, let’s be real, and transparent for a moment – as I am certain that each and every one of us can recall and admit to a moment in time when a bad situation caused a churning (agitation) to occur within us and we too reacted or strongly considered (even if for just a split second) re-acting negatively.
If ever anyone could have thought to justify his action of demonstrating hastiness in his spirit to become angry, it would have been Peter, given the situation. However clearly, Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, rebuked and deemed such behavior unacceptable.
For anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
Resteth means: (reside, exist in, inhabit, remains, and dwell)
Bosom means: (the innermost and uppermost place) indicating a nearness to ones heart.
For although anger may come into the bosom of a wise man, he recognizes its entry and he lays control over it not allowing it (anger) to take up residence.
However, when anger comes into the bosom of a foolish man, he reacts in hast not recognizing nor taking the needed time to wisely control it; therefore anger rests (reside, exist in, inhabit, remains, and dwell)…being not easily parted with and lending a foot-hold to the devil.
Ephesians 4:26-27: 26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27Neither give place to the devil.
Application:
We must learn to consider the appropriate response required from our part in every given situation that we face. This means we must slow down long enough to consider the best handling; doing so will allow us to avoid the devastating effects of simply reacting in an uncontrolled manner.
Let’s count it a blessing that God loves us enough to reveal unto us this area of needed change, in order that we may demonstrate forethought in the management of our emotions and grow in our walk with Him.
Additional Scriptures:
Psalm 37:8 – Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
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.
Psalm 15:18 - A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
2 Responses to Are you a Ticking Time Bomb?
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Ibslevo says:
Great posts, especially this one!!! thank you!
You rock!