“The discretion (śēḵel: carefulness) of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression (pesha: rebellious act).” (Pro. 19:11) First, we can observe that the first half of the proverb focuses on self-control. The ESV puts it this way: “Good sense makes one slow to anger.” Patience and self-control are listed as part of the fruit of the Spirit, “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, PATIENCE, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, SELF–CONTROL. Against such there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22-23), an essential part of the Christian’s lifestyle. Our responses are to be reasonable and measured. We should increasingly grow in our ability to control ourselves when angry and OVERLOOK OFFENSES when we can.
Second TOMMY, we know that anger itself is not wrong but rather how we express it. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to BECOME ANGRY, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that GOD DESIRES.” (Jam. 1:19–20) Offenses do come, and there are times when anger is called for, but anger MUST NOT BE our first response in any given situation. Our goal is to control our expression of anger and, as much as possible, OVERLOOK AN OFFENSE.
“A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (Pro. 18:19)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham