"Slow to Anger" - Ben Bailey

A while back I did a topical study of the Book of Proverbs that I thought was a very helpful way to study this Book. Here is the first lesson in that series on Anger.

Proverbs Topical Study: Anger

1. Uncontrolled anger is one of the ways you can identify a fool from a wise man.

A fool's wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame. Proverbs 12:16

2. Foolish & hated will be the reputation of a man who cannot control his anger.

A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of wicked intentions is hated. Proverbs 14:17

3. A man who can control his anger is deemed as having “great understanding”.

He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29

4. Our words/responses can affect the course of someone’s anger for better or for worse.

A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

5. Where there are people with anger problems there will always be fights.

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. Proverbs 15:18

6. Real strength is found in the ability to control one’s anger/emotions.

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32

7. Responsibility in judgment causes a wise man to be slow to anger.

The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression. Proverbs 19:11

8. Trying to save a man with anger problems is like throwing gas on a raging fire.

A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. Proverbs 19:19

9. Give an angry man a gift and it will pacify him/An angry man is moved from one extreme of emotion to another by trifle gifts.

A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath. Proverbs 21:14

10. A barren life of poverty would be far better than a life lived with an angry person.

Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman. Proverbs 21:19

11. If rage or anger is the driving force behind a man it will bring utter calamity to his life.

Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail. Proverbs 22:8

12. Don’t make friends of angry people or they will catch you in their trap.

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. Proverbs 22:24-25

13. Backbiting and malicious speech causes anger in the hearts of others.

The north wind brings forth rain, And backbiting tongue an angry countenance. Proverbs 25:23

14. Anger is too heavy of a burden to bear; therefore, you have to let it go.

A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. Proverbs 27:3

15. A life controlled by anger is a cruel and overwhelming life.

Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Proverbs 27:4

16. The scoffer’s life is set aflame by anger and wrath; it is the burning force behind his actions.

Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. Proverbs 29:8

17. Strife and sin are the end result of a life controlled by anger.

An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression. Proverbs 29:22

18. Pressing anger will always cause discord in one’s life and relationships.

For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife. Proverbs 30:33