You Could Be Right, and Still Be Wrong

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

Some situations have the potential of making you very upset. In those moments, you often have a a few moments to consider whether you’ll defer your anger or not. So before you choose to allow your anger to take over, please consider the follow four thoughts:

1. A person of good discretion (understanding, prudence, insight) will defer their anger. When you feel wronged, anger is one of the emotions that fuel your intentions. You’re upset that we’ve been confronted, embarrassed, treated wrongly, etc. You want to show people you’re not a pushover and you were the wrong person to mess with…

A person of discretion however, would hold back his or her anger for an extended period of time. As James 1:19 states, you should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. This is important because anger can cause you to be so emotionally charged that you’ll lose (or relinquish) control over your behaviors and act out in mindless, evil, and revengeful aggression.

2. Watch the contents of your heart. When your heart begins to churn with angry thoughts, it’ll continue to build, grow, and fill your being. Your heart, mind, and life will be consumed with your circumstances where you won’t be able to think straight. As Luke 6:45 says, …for [out] of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. If you think about revenge, payback, hate, and evil all day, why should you be surprised if you act out in one of those behaviors?

When your heart is captured by anger, it’s not a matter if you’ll lash out, but when.

3. Deferring your anger allows you to see the bigger picture. When you defer your anger, it allows you to see your situation for what it truly is. When you’re are angry, you only see the narrow path of the wrong committed against you or some type of revenge. You might not consider every perspective of the situation. Waiting to speak and slow to become angry allows you to take that deep breath and pray instead of acting out.

4. It is to your glory to pass over a transgression. When a transgression has been committed against you, it’s to your benefit (honor, splendor) to pass over it. When you pass over something, it means you purposefully chose to step over it or move beyond it. It’s not something you stop in front of, but move away from.

Pass over the transgressions and forgive (even if the other person (or people) do not apology). An apology is not necessary (or a prerequisite) for you to forgive.

Matthew 5:3-12 – Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

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