LIFE SCRIPTS

Don’t be a fool and quickly lose your temper— be sensible and patient.
Proverbs 29:11 CEVUK

Loss of temper is sometimes associated with the kind of personality one has, the kind of upbringing and even in some instances, someones genetic make up. However in this scripture, the description of a person who loses his or her temper easily is given. He or she is called a fool. All along in the book of Proverbs, foolishness is associated with lack of good judgement, laziness and even disregard for God. This passage reminds me of the story of David, king of Israel and Nabal, Abigail’s husband in 1 Samuel. Nabal infact was described as a fool. Even his name meant, fool. David was a recipient of his folly. However, instead of David being wise, he fell into the foolish trap. In his anger, he sought the life of Nabal. However, Abigail, the wise lady intervened just at the knick of time and made David to see his folly. Foolishness can be transmitted and it is very contagious. We live with people some of whom are very foolish. Their actions, may lead us to anger and a desire to act out of anger. We might think we are ‘dealing’ with them. However, they are just transferring their foolish attitudes to us. Ours is to know that quick anger is a preserve of fools. If provoked by such to get angry, we must remember not to fall into the same trap but to act sensibly and wisely the same way Abigail acted. Nothing disarms a foul-mouthed idiot than an even-tempered person who responds wisely to their provocations. The old adage remains relevant,’ Never argue with a fool. For no one will tell the difference’.