Blowing Off Steam

A fool gives full vent to his anger,but a wise man [or woman] keeps himself under control.

Proverbs 29:11 (NIV)

When a toddler gives vent to anger, it’s called a tantrum, but when an adult does it, it’s called blowing off steam and fits of rage. When two people do it together, it can escalate from screaming to violence. One thing does lead to another, and everyone loses.

Maybe you grew up in an angry home. It’s sad, but many women who grew up in that kind of atmosphere create it in their own lives and homes. It’s surprising, but studies show that women are getting more and more violent.

So let’s look at what God says in Ephesians 4:26-27. He says, “Be angry and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (NKJV).

First, when we’re angry—and, honestly, sometimes we are—don’t add fuel to the fire. If we sin in response to sin, we’ve just made matters worse.

Second, don’t let the sun go down on your wrath. This speaks of keeping short tabs because we women sometimes are experts at keeping long tabs. We won’t forgive, and daily our frustration adds up. We nurse a grudge, and then when the next offense comes, kaboom, we blow up.

The last part tells us if we’re not on guard, we give place to the devil himself. Anger gives the devil a place in our thought life, attitudes, and even our personality.

So read our proverb again: “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise [woman] keeps [herself] under control.”

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

I have to admit, a few years ago my neighbor’s actions finally got to me. I let loose and gave her a piece of my mind. I did not use bad language, but my words were sharp. My long years of trying to be patient were all erased by a single, two-minute venting of frustration. The only thing it accomplished was that her feelings were hurt and I am ashamed. Anger can get the better of us; then like a volcano, it erupts. How do we tame it? Our anger needs to surrender to the Savior. If it is brewing in you, will you give it to him today?

One Year Bible Reading

Hosea 4:1–5:15; 2 John 1:1-13; Psalm 125:1-5; Proverbs 29:9-11