“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” (Proverbs 29:11)
Everyone gets angry. Period. We just do. It’s human, and we’ll learn this week that to feel angry in and of itself is NOT a sin. The question is, “You’re angry. Now what?”
The fool answers that question by fully expressing his or her anger as loudly, violently, and hurtfully as possible. To give “full vent” to something means not to hold anything back. It means to fire all of the thrusters, open all of the sails, unleash all of the bombs at once. Swear. Throw things. Spit. Hit maybe.
Wise people feel that same angry emotion and say, “Stop. Hold. Wait.” Sometimes it is wise to express some of our anger in a controlled, sinless, even loving manner. But it’s never wise to just crank the volume to 11 and let our rage fly. Never. It doesn’t help us, and it doesn’t help anyone else.
Think: Can you remember any moments in which you have given “full vent” to your anger? What was the outcome of that? Would you agree now that it was foolish? What might have been a wiser response in that moment?
Pray: Ask God to give you the courage and self-control to slow your anger down and only express it in ways that are not sinful or hurtful to others.
Do: Notice this week how people in your life respond when they feel angry. Who gives “full vent” to anger and who seems to be keeping it under control? Think about asking the controlled ones how they do that.