Passover Point

Proverbs 19:11 – The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and [it is] his glory to pass over a transgression.

1. People can do things that really make you mad! Whether it’s something on a personal or public level, their actions can really upset you. The translated definition for transgression is an (violated) action against individuals, nation against nation, or God.¹ These violations can be based on your personal preferences, laws, or standards.

To use discretion is to decide or act according to one’s own judgment; freedom of judgment or choice.² When anger (over any issue) wants to consume you, you have a choice. You can choose to be angry or choose to let it go. You don’t have to be angry!

2. If you choose to be angry, your ability to make sound decisions will be clouded. You may be less inclined to turn from your anger…you’ll only fuel it.

When standing before the roads of anger and peace, it’s to your glory to pass over (or overlook) the transgression. While it might not seem that giving up the right to be angry will be any benefit to you, there are great rewards.

Proverbs 15:18 – A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Appeaseth is translated as to be quiet, be tranquil, be at peace, be quiet, rest, lie still, be undisturbed.³ Angry people stir up anger in others. These situations usually don’t end on a positive note. Just think back to the times you were angry and went O-F-F on someone. How did those situations end?

3. When you’re slow to allow anger to consume you, you have the opportunity to act with sober judgment to turn from the road of anger and strife. You have the opportunity to squash strife within yourself and others. Overlooking transgressions will help you live in peace and allow you to act in love. Believe me, acting in anger for revenge, retaliation, or telling someone O-F-F is not worth the trouble.

Proverbs 15:1 – A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

^{1 – Transgression. Retrieved December 13,2006 from the Dictionary.com Web site: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/transgression; Blue Letter Bible. “Dictionary and Word Search for ‘pesha` (Strong’s 06588)’ ” . Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2002. 13 Dec 2006. http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/words.pl?word=06588&page=1}

^{2 – Discretion. Retrieved December 13,2006 from the Dictionary.com Web site: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/discretion}

^{3 – Blue Letter Bible. “Dictionary and Word Search for ‘shaqat (Strong’s 08252)’ ” . Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2002. 13 Dec 2006. http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/words.pl?word=08252&page=1}

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