"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

 

The "mighty ones", these are people capable of great achievements.  They accomplish things that impress the masses.  By their very nature they are over-comers.  And yet the Bible tells us that someone who is able to control their anger is better than those society would declare as "mighty".  Anger could be likened to a bomb; when it explodes it always causes destruction!  When we allow ourselves to act out in anger the consequences can be more than we are able or willing to bear!  To control ones anger is not an easy task, and without the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives it is nearly impossible!  So, what precautions can we take make sure we keep control of our anger?  First, be aware of what's causing your anger, the things that set you off.  Habakkuk 2:1 says, "I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected."  If you know what sets you off you have a better chance of overcoming it!  Second, act, don't react.  In times of stress and confrontation act on God's word, and refuse to react to the situation.  Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path" Let the actions you takes be lead by the Word of God and not your reactions in anger to outside stimulus.  Third, cultivate your relationship with the Lord through daily prayer and Bible reading; the closer you get to Jesus the less influence anger and the things of this world will have over you.  Hebrews 4;16 says, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  Come to the Lord daily in your personal devotional time that you may receive His grace to move you beyond the destructive bonds of anger!

 

"Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret-it only causes harm." Psalm 37:8