Spiritual Training 1Samuel 1:12-17

Posted: November 17, 2015 in 1 Sameul, Uncategorized
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Under Gods Command

(Samuel’s birth and childhood)

1 Samuel 1:12 -17As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”
     15“Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. 16Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”
     17Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”

Eli was a Priest, and miss judged this woman at first. But instead of just walking away with that believe of her being drunk with wine, he spoke to her and told her to put away your wine. Then he found out he miss judge her, and listened to her story.

Lets Bring Home: How many times do we miss judge a situation, and walk away with the thought of what we think we saw? When at times if we speak to him or her, we also can find the truth in someone’s situation, and give him or her a word of encouragement that just might change his or her life. How many people have we walked by or came to us and we did not have time which later ended up in a bad situation or Suicide?

Spiritual Training 1 Samuel 1 10-11

Posted: November 17, 2015 in 1 Sameul, Uncategorized
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Under Gods Command

(Samuel’s birth and childhood)

1 Samuel 1:10-11 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD Al mighty, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” 

Be careful what you promise in prayer because God may take you up on it. Hannah so desperately wanted a child that she was willing to strike a bargain with God. God took her up on her promise, and to Hannah’s credit, she did her part, even though it was painful (1:27-28).     Although we are not in a position to negotiate with God, he may still choose to answer a prayer that has an attached promise.

Lets Bring it Home: When you pray, ask yourself, “Will I follow through on any promises I make to God if he grants my request?” It is dishonest and dangerous to ignore a promise, especially to God. God keeps his promises, and he expects you to keep yours.

Spiritual Training 1 Samuel 1:8-10

Posted: November 17, 2015 in 1 Sameul, Uncategorized
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Under Gods Command

(Samuel’s birth and childhood)

1 Samuel 1:8-10 Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?”
     9Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s house. 10In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly.

Hannah knew her husband loved her, but even his encouragement could not comfort her. She could not keep from listening to Peninnah’s jeers and letting Peninnah’s words erode her self-confidence. Although we cannot keep others from unjustly criticizing us, we can choose how we will react to their hurtful words.

Hannah had good reason to feel discouraged and bitter. She was unable to bear children; she shared her husband with a woman who ridiculed her (1:7); her loving husband could not solve her problem (1:8); and even the high priest misunderstood her motives (1:14). But instead of retaliating or giving up hope, Hannah prayed. She brought her problem honestly before God.

Lets Bring it Home: Each of us may face times of barrenness when nothing “comes to birth” in our work, service, or relationships. It is difficult to pray in faith when we feel so ineffective. But, as Hannah discovered, prayer opens the way for God to work Rather than dwelling upon our problems, we can enjoy the loving relationships God has given us. By so doing, we can exchange self-pity for hope.

Spiritual Training 1 Samuel 1:1-7 Hannah

Posted: November 17, 2015 in 1 Sameul, Eli, Hannah, Uncategorized
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Under Gods Command

    1There was a certain man from Ramathaim, Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.    
3Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the LORD Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the LORD. 4Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the LORD had closed her womb. 6Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. 

The book of 1 Samuel begins in the days when the judges still ruled Israel, possibly during the closing years of Samson’s life. Samuel was Israel’s last judge and the first priest and prophet to serve during the time of a king. He was the best example of what a good judge should be, governing the people by God’s Word and not by his own impulses. Samuel was the man who anointed Saul as Israel’s first king.

Although many great Old Testament leaders (such as Abraham, Jacob, and David) had more than one wife, this was not God’s original intention for marriage. Genesis 2:24 states that in marriage, two people become one flesh. Why then did polygamy exist among God’s people? First, it was to produce more offspring to help in the man’s work and to assure the continuation of the man’s family line. Numerous children were a symbol of status and wealth. Second, in societies where many young men were killed in battle, polygamy became an accepted way of supporting women who otherwise would have remained unmarried and, very likely, destitute. Nevertheless, polygamy often caused serious family problems, as we see in this story of Hannah and Peninnah.

The tabernacle (Tent of Meeting) was located at Shiloh, the religious center of the nation (see Joshua 18:1). Three times a year all Israelite men were required to attend a religious festival held at the tabernacle: the Passover with the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 16:16). Elkanah made this pilgrimage regularly to fulfill God’s commands. (See Exodus 23:14-17 for the regulations concerning the pilgrimage, and see the note on Exodus 40:34 for more on the tabernacle.)

Hannah had been unable to conceive children, and in Old Testament times, a childless woman was considered a failure. Her barrenness was a social embarrassment for her husband. Children were a very important part of the society’s economic structure. They were a source of labor for the family, and it was their duty to care for their parents in their old age. If a wife could not bear children, she was often obligated by ancient Middle Eastern custom to give one of her servant girls to her husband to bear children for her. Although Elkanah could have left Hannah (a husband was permitted to divorce a barren wife), he remained lovingly devoted to her despite social criticism and his rights under civil law.

Part of God’s plan for Hannah involved postponing her years of childbearing. While Peninnah and Elkanah looked at Hannah’s outward circumstances, God was moving ahead with his plan.

Lets Bring it Home: Think of those in your world who are struggling with God’s timing in answering their prayers and who need your love and help. By supporting those who are struggling, you may help them remain steadfast in their faith and confident in his timing to bring fulfillment to their lives.

Proverbs 29:11 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: June 29, 2015 in Uncategorized
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 29:11- A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

You do not have to say everything right now. Slow down! There is a time to hold back speech to yourself – there is a time to talk and tell all. Wise men know what to do before speaking and when to speak, but fools spill everything without preparation or thought.

Fools talk a lot. They cannot keep their mouths shut. Any little thought, no matter how frivolous, no matter how unstudied, no matter how inappropriate, has to come rushing out. But a wise man speaks carefully. He does not speak hastily, or without study, or offer opinions as truth. He rules his mouth to choose wise words and wait for the right timing.

A talker is a fool. If he talks arrogantly, hastily, or loudly, he has confirmed his folly even more. A fool loves the sound of his own voice, and he thinks others should love it also. He thinks he has wisdom to share, and he thinks others are blessed to hear him. So he gets angry when he is eventually isolated due to his ignorant and obnoxious speech.

Solomon said there is a time for everything: “A time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (Eccl 3:7). But knowing the right time requires discretion and prudence, two branches of wisdom the fool has never considered. As long as he has air to breathe (and a full belly helps), he will vent his pea-sized brain through his lips (Pr 30:22; Eccl 10:12-14).

If a fool could keep his mouth shut, he might be thought wise (Pr 17:27-28). But he cannot do it, for he has never held back words in his life: he has no will nor power to do so. He must pour out foolish ideas in the hope of satisfying his agitated conceit, but it will never happen; when he runs out of things to say, he keeps talking anyway (Pr 15:2).

There is nothing virtuous about being “outspoken.” It is merely another word for a fool! It would be much better to keep those words in and let them dissolve in the bile of your liver and go into the draught. It would be much better to ask the Lord to set a watch before your mouth and to keep the door of your lips (Ps 141:3). Do not speak out!

Many things – idle words, filthiness, foolish talking, jesting, backbiting, talebearing, and slander – should not be spoken (Pr 10:18; 11:13; 25:23; Matt 12:36; Eph 5:3-5). And many words raise the probability of sin (Pr 10:19; Eccl 5:3). How much damage and pain could have been avoided by restraining your words (Pr 12:18)? Therefore, the fewer, and more carefully chosen, and more slowly spoken, are your words, the better (Jas 1:19)!

A fool’s wrath is quickly known, for he cannot keep his angry words in (Pr 12:16). A fool pours out unstudied nonsense, and worse yet, his personal opinions; but a righteous man studies before answering anything (Pr 12:23; 13:16; 15:28). A fool shows his folly and shame by answering a matter even before hearing it fully presented (Pr 18:13). He cannot rule his spirit, and thus proves himself a failure and loser among men (Pr 16:32; 25:28).

Wise men restrain their speech (Pr 17:27-28). They study before answering (Pr 15:28). They are slow to speak (Jas 1:19). They choose their words carefully and wait for the right time to say them (Pr 15:23; 24:26; 25:11). Discretion and prudence are the guardians of wisdom – they restrain words and actions until you grasp a situation clearly and can wisely choose a godly response (Pr 12:23; 13:16; 14:8; 16:21; 19:11; 22:3).

Wise men keep words in “till afterwards”! After what? After they let passion dissipate and can speak prudently (Pr 19:11; Jas 1:19). After they apply Scripture to the situation and find the godly, charitable response (Ps 119:11; I Cor 13:4-7). After they have studied for an answer with the certain words of truth (Pr 15:28; 22:17-21). After they have sanctified the Lord God in their hearts (I Pet 3:15). After they have heard a matter in its entirety, and someone has sincerely asked for their response (Pr 18:13; 25:6-7).

Samson uttered all his heart, and it cost him greatly; he could not resist the provocation of Delilah to open up and spill the beans (Judges 16:17). Yet Abigail, a beautiful woman of good understanding, waited for the right time to give her husband some bad news (I Sam 25:36). The Lord told Samuel to answer Saul only part of his mind (I Sam 16:1-3); and when in court, Paul declared only part of his relationship to the Pharisees (Acts 23:6).

Christians, to be wise and avoid folly, are to be circumspect in their conduct – inspecting all the circumstances in every direction (Eph 5:15). Their words are to be predominantly gracious, with only a seasoning of salt; and the purpose is always to be edifying (Eph 4:29; Col 4:6). Can you keep from uttering all your mind today? Can you wait until you have the right words and the right opportunity to say them? Help, O Lord.

Spiritual Training 16 June 2015

Posted: June 16, 2015 in leviticus
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Under Gods Command (Book of Leviticus)
Leviticus 26:1-12 Reward for Obedience

26:1 ‘Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stoned in your land to bow down before it. I am the LORD your God.
2“ ‘Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD.
3“ ‘If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, 4I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit. 5Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land.
6“ ‘I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove wild beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country. 7You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you. 8Fiver of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you.
9“ ‘I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. 10You will still be eating last year’s harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new. 11I will put my dwelling place w among you, and I will not abhor you. 12I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.

This chapter presents the two paths of obedience and disobedience that God set before the people (see also Deuteronomy 28). The people of the Old Testament were warned over and over against worshiping idols. We wonder how they could deceive themselves with these objects of wood and stone.

Lets Bring it Home: Yet God could well give us the same warning, for we are prone to put idols before him. Idolatry is making anything more important than God, and our lives are full of that temptation. Money, looks, success, reputation, security—these are today’s idols. As you look at these false gods that promise everything you want but nothing you need, does idolatry seem so far removed from your experience?

Proverbs 16:20 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: June 16, 2015 in Proverbs 16
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Under Gods Command
Proverbs 16:20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trust in the LORD.

You face decisions and dilemmas daily. Only two things are needed for success – wisdom and faith. Wisdom, the power of right judgment, will help you answer and solve each one justly and prudently. Every time you do this, natural and spiritual blessings will follow. Faith, which is belief and confidence in God, will protect and prosper you further, as you honor Him by truth and righteousness over self-preservation and self-promotion.

Success and happiness are easy. They are offered here. How are they obtained? By godly wisdom in decisions and faith in the God of wisdom (Pr 3:5-6; Josh 1:8; I Tim 6:6; I Pet 3:10-12)! Dealing with life’s perplexities by faith in God’s word and providence, you secure the favor of others, the peace and prosperity of prudent choices, and the blessing of God. What rewards! You need to get wisdom and faith and use them today!

Most men face decisions and dilemmas with selfish motives that pervert their judgment and cause them to make poor choices. Rather than trust God to bless a wise and righteous solution, they try to protect and prosper themselves by bending justice and equity. Does this compromise work? Never! It will come home to roost in the disapproval of others, consequences of selfish choices, and punishment from God. Such men are going down!

Where is wisdom found to handle matters prudently and obtain favor of God and men? In the Christian scriptures, the inspired word of God (Ps 19:7-11; 119:130; II Tim 3:15-17)! And much practical wisdom is here in the book of Proverbs (Pr 1:1-7; 2:1-9; 30:5-6). If you will immerse yourself in the word of God, you will accumulate true wisdom to deal with life’s difficulties, and you will accrue great blessings and joy to yourself.

David had great wisdom and favor with the people (I Sam 18:5,14-16,30). How? He valued the Bible highly (Ps 1:1-3; 19:7-11; 119:1-176). It taught him how to deal with Saul’s efforts to kill him, the sedition of his sons, the uniting of a divided nation, and the death of his child? Why did he heed Abigail’s correction? Nathan’s denial? Nathan’s rebuke? He could have acted selfishly many times, but he did not. He trusted God fully.

Joseph and Daniel, foreign captives in the courts of the greatest nations at the time, made choices according to God’s word. Joseph resisted the advances of a beautiful woman and was falsely convicted of attempted rape, but he basked in his pure conscience, the favor of his captors, and God took him to the top of Egypt. Daniel resisted Nebuchadnezzar’s pagan diet and Darius’s religious decree to the peace of his soul, the respect of his captors, and God took him to the top of Babylon and Persia. Grasp the lesson!

God’s inspired wisdom in Scripture brings success and happiness. It has the infallible criterion for a wife (Pr 31:30), the way to pacify anger (Pr 15:1), a secret about generosity (Pr 11:24-25), a warning about scams (Pr 12:11; 13:11), managerial wisdom (Pr 29:21), the danger of cosigning (Pr 6:1-5), the value of savings (Pr 6:6-8), the wisdom of capitalism (Pr 14:4), child training rules (Pr 29:15), and the danger of alcohol (Pr 20:1).

Consider more about the book of Proverbs. It has warnings about whorish women (Pr 6:25), the value of hard work (Pr 22:29), the terrible curse of pride (Pr 16:18), the priorities of life (Pr 15:16; 17:1), the nature of true friendship (Pr 17:17; 27:5-6), the remedy for adultery (Pr 5:19), the value of counselors (Pr 15:22), the evil of sedition (Pr 20:2; 24:21-22), the danger of despising parents (Pr 20:20; 30:17), the value of alcohol (Pr 31:6-7), the wisdom of human society (Pr 30:27), and the care of the poor (Pr 19:17).

The lesson is two-fold. Do not distort the proverb and lose its value by missing either side. Do you apply Bible wisdom diligently, and then do you trust the blessed God of heaven for success? God expects you to use the wisdom He has given – for anything less is tempting Him; but no amount of sagacity or prudence alone will handle all matters – you must have God’s supernatural favor and blessing (Ps 127:1-2; Matt 4:5-7).

A wise man distrusts his motives and doubts his abilities, so he depends on God’s blessing more than his own efforts. He knows he can do nothing without divine assistance, so he casts himself on God’s mercy and promises after choosing a wise course of action. And it is this combination that is true wisdom. Grasp it, and remember it!

Jacob wisely divided his company into two bands and sent generous gifts before meeting Esau, but he wrestled with God all night for success (Gen 32:3-32). David sent Hushai to divert Absalom from Ahithophel’s wisdom, but he begged and trusted God for his success (II Sam 15:31-34). Esther held a double banquet for her husband, the king of Persia, but only after fasting three days and nights for its success (Esther 4:15-17; 5:1-6).

If wisdom is found in Scripture, where is faith found? In the same place! “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17). Regular reading of God’s dealings with and deliverances of His people will build faith in His providence (Ps 40:4-5; 46:1-11; 77:11-20; 78:1-8; 107:1-43; 111:1-10; 145:1-21; Rom 15:4).

How do you handle life’s dilemmas? By emotion? By instinct? By habit? By fear? By the example of parents? By looking out for yourself? By peer pressure? By popular opinion? By current trends? By pragmatic considerations? These bases for decisions and actions will fail. You missed the lesson of the proverb, and you will miss the success and happiness that wisdom and faith could give you. Thank God, and believe Solomon here.

Wise men learn God’s word and apply it faithfully. They never fear valuing truth and righteousness over self-preservation and self-promotion. They know God’s laws include natural success, bring spiritual happiness, and secure God’s blessing and protection. They never handle a matter any other way than what Scripture indicates, and in this confidence they trust a faithful God for a full reward (Psalm 119:22,94,117,166,173; Heb 11:6).

Spiritual Training 15 June 2015 (Leviticus)

Posted: June 15, 2015 in leviticus
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Under Gods Command (Book of Leviticus)
Leviticus 25:35-37

35If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you. 36Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God, so that they may continue to live among you. 37You must not lend them money at interest or sell them food at a profit.

God said that neglecting the poor was a sin. Permanent poverty was not allowed in Israel. Financially secure families were responsible to help and house those in need. Many times we do nothing, not because we lack compassion, but because we are overwhelmed by the size of the problem and don’t know where to begin.

Lets Bring it Home: God doesn’t expect you to eliminate poverty, nor does he expect you to neglect your family while providing for others. He does, however, expect that when you see an individual in need, you will reach out with whatever help you can offer, including hospitality.

Proverbs 15:27 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: June 15, 2015 in Proverbs 15
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Under Gods Command
Proverbs 15:27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family but he who hates bribes will live

The desire to be rich is dangerous to a man’s family. He will be tempted to accept bribes or compromise righteousness, which will bring trouble to his wife, children, and estate. But a man that hates bribes or financial compromise will preserve and prosper his family.

Greed is excessive ambition and covetous desire for more than you have or should reasonably expect (Pr 1:19; Is 56:11). Gain is financial success or wealth. The proverb condemns lustful desire to be rich, which leads to compromising godliness and wisdom.

The gifts here are bribes, which are given to pay a man to compromise the law or financial wisdom (Pr 29:4; Ex 23:8; Deut 16:19; Is 33:15). A virtuous man will hate such gifts, for he will not sell his integrity or the approval of God for any price.

There are many temptations associated with desire for financial success, and they often bring pain and trouble to a man’s family. But a man who is content with his income, and would never consider cheating for any advantage, will protect and prosper his family.

Beyond bribes, desiring riches brings temptation to compromise in dealings, break the law, violate financial wisdom, overwork, be tempted by investment scams, mistreat employees, cheat on giving, neglect charity, over-expand, deprive the family of affection and time, forget your soul, worry about tomorrow, be carnally minded, associate excessively with the world, be puffed up, despise others, and numerous other sins.

Here is Paul’s sober warning: “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (I Tim 6:9-10).

God’s ministers cannot be greedy of gain, for such men will compromise righteousness or the gospel for income (I Tim 3:3,8; 6:6-10; Titus 1:7). This rule matched Moses’ requirement for Israel’s leaders to be men hating covetousness (Ex 18:21). And John the Baptist told the Roman soldiers at his baptism to be content with their wages (Luke 3:14).

Two things cost investors and businessmen – greed and fear: greed brings ruin, and fear misses potential profits. Fear is better than greed (Pr 14:23; 21:5; 22:3; 28:11,19,22). There are no free lunches: wise men reject even cheap lunches, knowing they are deceptive. Bulls and bears can make money in any market, but pigs end up eating trash.

Reader, how much time do you spend thinking about getting ahead? Is it the acceptable desire to do with your might what God has given you to do (Eccl 9:10)? Or is it an obsession to rise in the esteem of the world by financial increase (Pr 18:11)? Be warned!

Are you tempted in any area of life to compromise in order to get ahead? In any of the areas listed above? Godly men are content with what they have, for they esteem the Lord and His word their portion forever (Ps 19:10; 73:25-26; 119:11; Heb 13:5-6). And their families will be blessed in the earth for such noble and virtuous men (Pr 11:21; Is 65:23).

Proverbs 12:16 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: June 12, 2015 in Proverbs 12, Proverbs 12:16
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 12:16 A fool show his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Shame on you! What are you angry about? Why are you upset? What is all that bad? Why are you so bent out of shape? The goodness of God endureth continually (Ps 52:1)! You have ten times as many things to be happy and thankful about than to be mad about!

A quick temper marks a fool, since prudent men avoid the shame of wrath by ruling their spirits. Be quick to hear, forgive, and serve; but be slow to speak and to wrath (Jas 1:19). It is infants and young, poorly-trained children that scream for little or no reason; do not prove yourself immature to others by not being able to control and govern your emotions.

Wrath is vehement or violent anger; intense exasperation or resentment; deep indignation. Wise men, obeying the Bible, rule their spirits to keep from such feelings toward others, unless the cause is virtuous and justifiable (Pr 14:17,29). “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Pr 16:32).

Anger and wrath are powerful passions, and they make men say and do things they would not otherwise do. Therefore, they must be ruled, and ruled tightly. Moses angrily smote the rock instead of speaking to it, and the Lord kept him from entering Canaan (Num 20:7-13). Anger moved Saul to try to kill his own faithful son Jonathan (I Sam 20:30-34).

Not all anger is wrong, as Jesus only condemned anger “without a cause” (Matt 5:21-22). Of course, modern Bible versions, following their contemporary, effeminate brand of Christianity, have omitted these words in order to condemn all anger. By so doing they have indicted God, Jesus Christ, and holy prophets, apostles, and saints as sinners!

Paul further clarified this important point, as he explained, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Eph 4:26). When anger does occur, you cannot let it cause you to sin; and anger should not be allowed to fester and turn into bitterness. The matter of provocation should be dealt with righteously and brought to a quick end.

Fools are quick to get angry, for no right reason, and they let their anger boil. It is presently known – it is quickly visible in their faces and obvious in their speech. They prove they are fools by not restraining their passions. Wise men restrain their spirits and control their reactions to any situation. Fools react without thinking; wise men think before reacting. Fools are controlled by their anger; wise men control their anger.

Here is the important lesson of the proverb. A prudent man will think first and avoid the shame of hasty anger causing him to act foolishly (Eccl 7:9). The purpose of Proverbs is to teach you wisdom for success in life – and you will never be successful, if you do not learn to control and rule your passions, especially wrath, anger, and envy (Pr 27:4).

The difference between men that control their emotions and those that do not is very great. Solomon honored that difference by exalting the self-controlled man as a mighty man of valor and military conqueror (Pr 16:32). He also warned that angry men were vulnerable to any adversity and would be easily destroyed in their endeavors (Pr 25:28).

Another lesson, though not taught here directly, is that a wise man avoids angry men, lest he get a snare to his soul (Pr 22:24-25). If you associate with those who do not rule their spirits and tempers, you will pick up their perverse habits (Pr 13:20; I Cor 15:33). If you once had self-control and composure, you will lose it, and you will begin to fail in life.

Reader, rule your spirit; do not let it rule you. “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (Jas 1:20). It is impossible to be the child of God you should be, if you let anger burst from your heart and bring you to shame. There is no glory in anger and strife, regardless of how your flesh, the world, or Satan lies to you (Jas 3:14-16).

World class athletes control and rule all desires and passions in their diligent pursuit of championships (I Cor 9:24-25). It is called temperance. They know that to be the best requires denying impulses to eat, sleep, alter training, or take a day off. If you want to win the incorruptible crown of Jesus Christ, you must also deny yourself (I Cor 9:26-27).

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