Proverbs 29:11/ Quietness in the Age of Rage

 "A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back."  Proverbs 29:11

 There's a scene in Indiana Jones where young Indiana has just preserved a historical artifact by taking it from bandits. He makes it home after an intense chase from the bandits and he is eager to share with his dad. As he bursts into his dad's study young Indiana is met with a gesture to pause, as his dad, played by Sean Connery, tells him to count to 10. And of course, in true Indiana Jones fashion young Indiana must do it in Latin, not English. 

 The literal reading of this proverb in the original Hebrew language says this, "A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back until afterwards." Indiana's dad was not raising a fool! It was an exercise in feeling strong emotion but not letting it control you. 

 Growing in Godly wisdom means learning to control our emotions. It means we do not have to act on our feelings all the time. And if we are honest, all of us need God's help with this because it is human nature to give "full vent" when we feel a strong emotion like anger. 

 In fact, we live in an age where perpetual outrage is embraced and encouraged because it is viewed as virtuous. In our culture, the more visibly upset you are, the more you seem to care. That is foolishness according to the bible, not virtue. 

 Wise Christians have the supernatural ability to be upset and be quiet. Our anger does not define us. Our rage does not dictate our lives. We follow our Savior, not our feelings.  

 So, how are you doing with this? 

Do you give "full vent" when you feel something? 

Does everyone around you know when you are angry or frustrated or grumpy? 

Are they walking on egg shells wondering if they will say something that sets you off?

Do you rant often?

 We have all let our emotions get the best of us at times. Ask God for help in this area. Maybe memorize this passage and recite it in prayer when you feel emotions start to rise. Like Indiana Jones was forced to do—pause and, instead of counting to 10, recite this passage in prayer, trusting God to make you wise. 

 "A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back."  

 If you want to dig deeper into this, need help, need prayer, or have questions—please reach out to us here: Roots Help & Prayer Form 

Humbly, 

Pastor Kevin