Focus on Good Sense First
“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
Proverbs 19:11
Maybe I’ve been going about this backwards. I try to be slow to anger. But perhaps I should focus instead on having good sense.
The order in this verse is “Good sense makes one slow to anger,” not “Those slow-to-anger show good sense” (although that is also true).
Too often I focus on wanting to eliminate the behavior. And become discouraged when I don’t. It’s a rotten piece of my heart that needs excising instead. The piece that doesn’t use good sense.
Good sense (Hebrew: sekel) means intelligence, insight, discretion, prudence, understanding, wisdom.
So seeking wisdom (which, personified, is Jesus himself) is the route to slowing my anger. And the way to become beautifully embellished is to not get hot-headed over every little offense.
Jesus sure didn’t. Even when on trial for his life, his ability to maintain silence and not revert to defending his reputation impressed Pilate (Matthew 27:13-14).
Jesus impresses me, too.
I want to be more like him. That’s good sense.
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revised from the archives
Good sense is something we all need, Lisa!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Proverbs is such a powerful book. We could sit all day with just one verse, couldn’t we.
You’ve showed us how, Lisa.
Good sense. Yeah, I like that …
Good thinking.
The things that make my anger or frustration boil over will reveal what is precious to me. Better to work on having my heart in the right place first than to try to stamp out the negative response.
Thanks for thinking out loud!
Lisa, I think many of us can have this backwards. Thank you for showing us how to handle an offense, and our anger, in the same manner as Jesus. He impresses me as well. Blessings!
This post is a wonderful way to start the morning, Lisa! Thank you!
Still, I do find it comforting that WWJD includes breaking up furniture and chasing people around with a whip.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/09/your-dying-spouse-359-god-give-me.html
Yep. Very well said and thought out. You have much God given sekel.
Gosh, I’ve never noticed the wording of that Proverb before… seeking wisdom truly is key. (That Solomon fellow was so smart!) Thanks for giving me food for thought as usual, Lisa 🙂 Stopping by from #saltandlight
Gosh we sure need more believers to live this proverb today don’t we? I mean, sadly, too many of God’s people get caught up in ‘taking offense’ at everything like the rest of the world, instead of offering abundant grace, mercy and doing our best to be peace-makers! Thanks for reminding me that ‘love covers a multitude of sins’ and His love is the only thing that will make a difference in the years to come!
I love your insight to this verse, Lisa. Oh, to be more like Jesus! Blessings and hugs!
I’ve got that same little rotten corner of my heart. I like how you put a positive spin on this not just said it is wrong to get angry, but here’s what to do instead. Being like Jesus does make good sense! Blessings!
Lisa, I love the simple truth you shared here. Sometimes we all put the cart before the horse, and then it’s so much harder to grow sweet fruit (I’m mixing my metaphors here!)
love this perspective. Isn’t it amazing how we continue to see new things in his Word. have a great weekend, Lisa!
I’ve got quite a temper and I think it helps to shut my mouth first and think and be wise.