Slow to Anger

Be swift to hear; that is, offer a listening ear. Often, when anger rages, you’re not patient enough to listen. You just want to go off. This will make you easily provoked. Listen to the explanation, hear all sides and most importantly, sit quietly and listen to the Holy Spirit.

Be slow to speak; having listened, you now need to choose your words carefully. Words once spoken cannot be retrieved. You must be careful to say things that will not further escalate the situation or damage the person you're speaking to.

“A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

Be slow to wrath; Anger often feels justified in the moment. You may have felt disrespected, misunderstood, or hurt. But when anger takes control, it leads to words and actions that don’t represent God. It pushes you to respond in a way that brings regret, not righteousness.

“Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

Someone once said that we have 2 ears and one mouth because we’re supposed to listen twice as much as we speak.

Think about a recent situation where you felt provoked or irritated. How did you respond? Did you listen well, choose your words carefully, and stay in control of your anger?

Ask God to help you grow in patience. Ask Him to teach you to listen more, speak with care, and stay calm even when it’s difficult. Pray for a heart that is not easily provoked, and for the discipline to respond in a way that reflects Him.