A fool gives full vent to anger,
but the wise quietly holds it back.
One given to anger stirs up strife,
and the hothead causes much transgression.

Proverbs 29:11, 22

Proverbs uses the word “fool” quite a bit. And that word is one that most people don’t want attached to them. Here’s how to avoid being granted that title – hold your tongue and hold it in.

When you are ready to blow your top and say something hurtful to someone else – hold it in.

When you are so angry that you want to tell someone what you really think of them – hold it in.

When you are about to boil over and do what you shouldn’t – hold it in.

Why? Because it is the fool who gives full vent to anger – while the wise tend to hold it in.

Anger often stirs up strife and transgression. It may be best to keep the expression of your feelings for times when things have cooled off a bit.

Prayer

God of each moment, help me to wait, process the situation, and cool down before I do or say something that may not be that wise. Amen.