We have all been in that place where our reactions to our circumstances got the better of us and we said or did things that we regretted later. The Scriptures remind us “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding; but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly” (Proverbs 14:29). To be hasty of spirit is to be driven along by our emotions, our feelings, much like the wind moves a sailboat. These feelings propel us quickly to an undesired port, one that we would not desire had we given any thought to our actions. The result is folly, which is behavior characteristic of a fool.
On the other hand, one who is slow to wrath understands the dangers of premature (hasty) and misguided reactions. Controlling our spirit is greatly commended in the Bible. “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32). This kind of self-control takes a strength that Scripture compares to armies in warfare. In essence, it is easier to overcome a host of external foes than the enemy that rules and reigns within.
In a practical sense, the imperative to not react hastily and unwisely requires that we somehow manage to stay calm and quiet. This requires not merely the training of our emotions, but also that we overcome them and subdue them. The benefits are clear. Solomon writes “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer, but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things” (Proverbs 15:28). The unguarded reactions of those governed and propelled by their emotions pour out of their mouths as unstoppable tidal waves of hurt. But the righteous are controlled and seek a response fitting to the occasion.
There is no power within ourselves naturally that is at our disposal to control our emotions and not yielding to a hasty spirit. James reminds us that “the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). The problem lies with our wicked heart, the seat of our emotions. Christ taught “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things” (Matthew 12:34-35).
The good man is able to bring forth good fruit because he has been made new by the blood of Christ. He has been given a new heart through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). A man cannot control his own heart until he gives it to Jesus Christ. Jesus taught “he that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). Instead of spewing forth the violent waves of anger and wrath, blessings of peace and gentleness shall flow out of our lives to those in our circles of activity. Who controls your heart?
From the Chaplain 