Let it All Out? NOT!
Conventional psychology tells us that when we are upset or angry to “let it all out” or "get it off our chest".
The Bible, however, gives dramatically different advice. In fact, the wisest man in the Old Testament said, "A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back"
(Proverbs 29:11).
Was Solomon suggesting that a wise man never reveals his feelings? Not at all. The wording indicates that the foolish man vents his feelings without considering their possible effect on others. The wise man, however, delays communicating his feelings until he considers the possible ramifications of his words.
Wise advice. Many of us have learned the hard way some of our biggest mistakes were made while speaking when angry or upset. How many times we have wished we could take those words back.
Jesus set the ideal example while being accused by the chief priests and elders. "He answered nothing” (Matt. 27:12). Talk about speech control! Not only could Jesus have easily humiliated His critics, He could have destroyed them with a word. Instead, “He held His peace” (Matt. 26:63).
Don't misunderstand; there are situations in which something NEEDS to be said. But before blurting out whatever comes to mind, we should take a breath and consider our words. Chances are, we will not feel the need to take them back.
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath”
(James 1:19).
Jesus FIRST!
Dennis
Conventional psychology tells us that when we are upset or angry to “let it all out” or "get it off our chest".
The Bible, however, gives dramatically different advice. In fact, the wisest man in the Old Testament said, "A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back"
(Proverbs 29:11).
Was Solomon suggesting that a wise man never reveals his feelings? Not at all. The wording indicates that the foolish man vents his feelings without considering their possible effect on others. The wise man, however, delays communicating his feelings until he considers the possible ramifications of his words.
Wise advice. Many of us have learned the hard way some of our biggest mistakes were made while speaking when angry or upset. How many times we have wished we could take those words back.
Jesus set the ideal example while being accused by the chief priests and elders. "He answered nothing” (Matt. 27:12). Talk about speech control! Not only could Jesus have easily humiliated His critics, He could have destroyed them with a word. Instead, “He held His peace” (Matt. 26:63).
Don't misunderstand; there are situations in which something NEEDS to be said. But before blurting out whatever comes to mind, we should take a breath and consider our words. Chances are, we will not feel the need to take them back.
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath”
(James 1:19).
Jesus FIRST!
Dennis
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