Proverbs 14:29 says, “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”

It’s striking how God’s commands scale in difficulty depending on the circumstances. Are you slow to wrath? Well, it depends. Am I sitting on a dock of the bay watching the tide roll away? Or am I in the middle of closing a months-long business deal with a cranky and lazy partner? It is one thing for mom to hear that a feverish child just vomited down the side of his bed on a lazy Sunday afternoon. And it is another to hear that news when you’re in the fourth quarter of dinner prep for a family of six. 

When the spirit of dominion takes root in God’s people, that is a sign of his kindness. And that particular gift comes with a variety of temptations. One is the temptation to be quick to wrath. We know there is a lot on the line. Our society falls apart with every passing day. And amid that decay, we seem to be resolved to run with men, and even try our hand at running with horses if the Lord would grant us the ability. But when you run that hard, your blood really gets pumping. It is then that it is very easy to bite, grab, snap at a kid or a co-worker, slander a teacher, or complain that someone keeps merging into your lane.

First, thank God that He has given you such a high calling and such an advanced test. Confess any and all sinful anger. And ask God for a great heart to do great works with a cool and unhasty spirit.