Burning Anger

By Royce Frederick

In 1973, news reports said that police in Greenock, Scotland, questioned a man in an arson investigation. The man admitted setting fire to his father’s house. But he told them it was because his father and his brother had “beaten” him. He then explained what he meant: they had “beaten” him in the game of dominoes!

“A fool’s wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame” (Prov. 12:16).

Regarding anger, one important difference between the fool and the wise man is time. The fool fights back quickly and wildly. The wise man takes time to consider the matter. He knows that anger toward people usually does not help anyone, but rather destroys friendships, property, health, and happiness.

A wise man also realizes that a burst of anger is not a show of power, but a show of weakness. Angry words and actions often reveal that the person is immature, impatient, and unable to endure problems.

“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back” (Prov. 29:11).