“A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” (Proverbs 12:16)
Fool Week marches on.
Today’s fool believes that he has a biological need—a human right, even—to express whatever he’s feeling whenever he’s feeling it. So if you bother me, offend me—and especially if you insult me—I’m not going to wait around to let you know I am not okay with that.
This fool really likes saying, “I am NOT okay with that.” Sometimes really loud.
The prudent person, on the other hand, has developed the life skill of telling his emotions when they can come out and when they have to stay home. He decides, “Making a deal out of this insult isn’t going to help anyone; it’s only going to lead to less interesting trouble.”
That doesn’t mean he’s a chump; he doesn’t let every insult pass. He talks about how he feels sometimes—just not every time. He’s a cool cat, that prudent guy.
Think: How often do you keep from showing those around you that you are annoyed? How often do you let an insult pass without responding to it?
Pray: Ask God to help you not to show your annoyance at once, but to be able to overlook an insult when it’s the wisest choice.
Do: Notice this week who in your life can’t seem to keep from showing everything they’re feeling – and who chooses to let an insult slide without responding to it. If you’re curious, ask them how they do that.