The Folly of Fretting by A. A. Lason

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 22, 1906

The Folly of Fretting

By A. A. Lason

THE personal sin of fretting is almost as extensive as any other evil. It is not universal, but very general. It is as vain and useless a habit as one can harbor. Nothing so warps man's nature, sours his disposition, breaks up the friendly relationship in the domestic circle. It is a direct violation of the law of God. It is sinful in the beginning, in its progress, and sinful continually. The divine direction is, “Fret not thyself in anywise to do evil.” David's knowledge of human nature was as large as it was exact. Scolding is confined to no age nor clime. Some bad streak in one's constitution, a little mishap, or a score of causes, may stir and stimulate this irritable disposition. Such a spirit in the family, in the school, or in the church, may become contagious, and result in great injury. It may be quelled and conquered. When we see its manifestation in time to take a second thought, a determined silence is sure to ward off the most fiery outburst. It is difficult for a quarrel to continue long without opposing agents. Nothing so surprises an angry person as kind words. Let them be few and spoken in a loving manner.—A. A. Lason.