Angry? Be Slow on the Draw

January 7th, 2013

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,
for anger resides in the lap of fools.*

You feel anger coming on? Quick, stand up, walk around . . .
the lap disappears, and maybe the lap of a fool.

I don’t know when I’ve let my anger fly that I’ve not felt pretty apish after.

Funny, it’s feels so justified at the time. Almost intoxicating. But like with too much wine, it just looks like a lack of control.

Actually though, habitual anger is a form of control . . . of others. Conscious or not, its threat is used to keep others in line. That’s not to say it doesn’t work.

It wrecks.

Havoc.

Not that there’s never a time for it. It is a valid emotion. I like what the Word allows, Be angry and sin not.** That provides some leeway, and gives a better result.

“The greatest remedy for anger,” said Seneca, “is delay.”

Anger churns in the stomach by day
and at night keeps sleep at bay.

(I said that.)

For all this, though, there is an instance when anger is useful . . . and its strength channeled for good. That’s when I say to myself: “I’m fed up with this way of living (what I’m doing, how I’m thinking) and I’m not going to live this way any more!” Such emotional resolve can change the whole life for the better.

But, caution: That’s only when directed toward the self, not toward another.

Here’s the key–
Keep holstered the anger pistol;
practice how slow you can draw.

Even then, be warned:
You could put a hole in your craw.

 

_________________

*  Ecclesiastes 7:9
**Ephesians 4:26

10 Comments

  1. JoAnn Cokas Jan 7, 2013
    11:17 am

    I kinda needed that……………..thanks.
    I REALLY needed that is more accurate….lol

  2. Doug Kyle Jan 7, 2013
    11:38 am

    Excellent!

  3. Sue Donaldson Jan 7, 2013
    1:05 pm

    I was a little frustrated yesterday. Okay almost angry. It sat in my lap a bit. But thankfully I had to get up and walk around and do the next thing. Great advice, Hyatt!

  4. Norm Jan 7, 2013
    1:50 pm

    When you bring out the big guns and start firing, you often hit everything but the target. Lots of collateral damage when anger shows its true force. Yet, like you say, Hyatt, when directed towards myself … a certain behavior, a habitual slip, a bitter attitude, it can be redemptive. If it leads to a repentent heart, then a good work is done, and the storm’s over and gone.

  5. Larry L. Thomas Jan 7, 2013
    2:42 pm

    VERY well put…..thank you!!!!!

  6. Larry Rausch Jan 7, 2013
    2:48 pm

    I have even had to walk around at church.

    • Larry P. Jan 8, 2013
      6:02 am

      Yeah Larry, I saw you doing it.

  7. Lisa Jan 9, 2013
    1:54 am

    Great one Hyatt! Anger and how it does not really work except on yourself really and your own bad behavior. Really a good one to chew on for sure. And if you feel this emotion coming on to walk it off and to not do it because it really causes havoc! and you are trying to control others and that you are really losing control of yourself and the situation! very good!!! I like what Norm said too———-again! He always nails it and adds such amazing insight to your already amazing insight! thank you both! But back to that anger thing, thank you for discussing this topic! great one! thank you! Lisa

  8. Jim Skelly Jan 11, 2013
    8:47 am

    Dear Hyatt,
    Thank you for the great insight.i If we remember to put on the full armor of God every day, then there is no need for pistols. However, like Jesus, once in a while you have to be ready to start flipping tables and chasing out the enemy. (When in God’s will)
    By the way, where is the “Irishman” in the painting? I Love it!
    Thanks
    Jim

  9. Tim MacDonald Jan 14, 2013
    7:14 pm

    Terrific Hyatt – like Seneca’s remedy – now to work it!

    Jim – the Irish was knocked out by the stout Scot of course!