Proverbs 14: 28-29
28 A growing population is a king’s glory; a prince without subjects has nothing.
One of the greatest joys I’ve experienced is to watch something that I’ve been a part of grow from nothing into something great. Whether it’s been a company, a church, youth group, band, or family; the joy experienced during times of growth is intoxicating. A saying that’s stuck with me on this subject is that there are no mountains without valleys. This could mean that the mountain top experience, when you’re riding high on life, probably won’t last forever. At some point after you reach the top you must go down the other side and start the trek upward again. I think this is a completely natural part of life and the phases we go through on our journey. I really believe that even though you might be going through a valley that you can still have your joy. In this way, if you refuse to let your joy be stolen, you will continue to experience growth even when it seems like your world is falling apart. Mainly, growth in your character, your spirit, endurance and your love for others as you experience peace that surpasses all your understanding. If you decide, while traveling through the valleys, that everyone and everything is out to get you and allow your joy to be stolen, then you are like the prince without subjects. You will be left with nothing because your inner man has given up. Don’t give up, but let the Holy Spirit guide your thoughts and actions, leading you to still waters of peace and an everlasting joy in the Lord that is our strength in the valleys.
29 People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.
Verse 29 is a subject very near and dear to my heart. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Don’t sin by letting anger control you.” It goes on to say in verse 32, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” There are always two sides to every story. Very rarely, aside from straight God-given commands, is a subject simply black and white. I’ve noticed that most people have a reason for doing things they do. For example, If someone cuts me off on the road my first reaction is to get angry at that person. But if somehow they could communicate their reasoning for being in such a hurry like maybe their wife is in labor and they’re rushing to the hospital. Then I wouldn’t be angry but would actually be looking for ways to help. I know this is far-fetched example but you get the idea. Try to be understanding of other people. You never know what someone else is going through and your patient endurance with them might just be the Jesus they need to see at that moment. For all you married couples out there, this verse couldn’t be directed at a better target. A great book that I’ve just finished is all about bringing understanding to both sides of the unity. It’s called Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. If there’s ever been a need for understanding so that we can control our anger towards one another, it’s in our marriages. Marriage should represent the beautiful image of Christ and His bridegroom, the church. Too often we see good relationships lost because of petty things escalated out of proportion because of a lack of understanding which causes a foolish hot temper. Remember, don’t sin by letting anger control you, but be kind and tenderhearted toward each other always looking for ways to understand your fellow man. The world would be a lot better place if we could learn and put into practice this wise and simple truth.