Connections

Read Proverbs 30

As the beating of cream yields butter and striking the nose causes bleeding, so stirring up anger causes quarrels.

Proverbs 30:33

In the manner of “Which came first: the chicken or the egg?” this proverb makes an important distinction about the sequence of natural causes. Beating cream yields butter. Beaten noses yield blood. Anger yields quarrels. Which comes first: anger or a quarrel?

This proverb indicates that anger is the precursor to quarrels. It is the common denominator in most quarrelsome relationships. Fighting is a symptom of anger. Well-intentioned parents may bring an end to the fighting between quarreling children. Sending them to their rooms brings temporary peace. Meanwhile, the anger remains seething just below the surface. Eventually, anger that is not properly dealt with will give birth to more quarrels. As a result, we must deal with anger on a deeper level to fully address our concerns. Human relationships—marriages, friendships, and families—hinge on cause-and-effect dynamics. We must get to the root cause of a problem in order to deal with its effects.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Keep anger in hand.

Today, Lord, teach me how to handle my emotions so I can enjoy the relationships I have with others.