Day 208: Anger Can Be Dangerous

Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 20:2-3

Central Thought: To the best of our ability, we should avoid anger and quarreling.

‘Anger is one letter short of danger,” the church sign read. So true!

A couple who had only been married a few months sat in their pastor’s office. They had come to him for help. Very quickly their relationship had soured. Both seemed to have quick tempers, and both got louder and angrier as their disagreements escalated. In fact, their visit with the pastor quickly turned into a verbal brawl between the two of them.

The pastor managed to calm the husband and wife, but when they left his office he felt little had been accomplished. Just as he feared, the couple divorced a few weeks later. They had said so many harsh things to each other in their anger, and the bitterness this created had done its damage. The couple that seemed so in love with one another a few months before were now bitter enemies. Anger is indeed one letter short of danger.

Today’s passage addresses the issue of anger. It warns about the cost of provoking anger (verse 2). It also encourages us to avoid fighting (verse 3). It labels a ‘fool” those who find delight in quarrelling (verse 3). Statements like these provide reason enough to curb anger and deal with disagreements in a calm manner.

Anger is a common human emotion. But always remember that it is a dangerous emotion. Only one letter separates ‘anger” from ‘danger.” Keep that in mind the next time your blood boils and your anger rises.

Devotional Prayer: Help me to control my anger, Lord. Help me keep cool when I feel my anger rising.

Today’s Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34; Romans 9:22-10:13; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 20:2-3