How To Be Even Tempered

A quick-tempered person is one to be avoided at all costs. Being the object of someone’s “rage” is no fun. It fact, it can be frightening to say the least. However, if we are one of those who have a “short-fuse” and are prone to lose our tempers, where do we go for a “cure” and to learn self-control?

“A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even tempered.” This is what we can call a “high-dividend” proverb. It addresses the need that all of us have to control our speech. Certainly all of us would like to have control of our words and be even tempered. But how?

There is a subtle, yet critical, element in this verse. It refers to “gathering knowledge” which enables us to moderate or control our words and thoughts and feelings.

Those who are wise know when and how to control their emotions and prevent situations that can be embarrassing and harmful to self and others. And that takes “restraint.”

“Restraint” implies the suggestion that we take time to consider what is happening in and around us by giving thought to our words before we let them come out of our mouths. We need to know our values and trigger points.

All of us have trigger points - those little signals we “sense” before we explode. They are always connected to the values we build our lives around. They include faith and family, right and wrong, good and evil, God and country. Anything of importance to us, when violated, can cause us to “explode.” Be like a pilot: develop a check list!

Prayer:  Father, help us to understand ourselves as well as You do, and learn “self-control” through Your strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 17:27-28 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.