A Quick Temper | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 22, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 20.

A Quick Temper.

WHAT did I hear you say, my boy?—that you had a quick temper, but was soon over it; and that it was only a word and a blow with you sometimes, but you were always sorry as soon as it was over?

Ah, my boy, I'm afraid that was the way with Cain. People almost seem to pride themselves on having quick tempers, as though they were not things to be ashamed of, and fought against, and prayed over with tears. God's word does not take your view of it, for it says expressly that "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty;" that "Better is he that ruleth his own spirit than he that taketh a city;" and "Anger resteth in the bosom of fools."

A man who carries a quick temper about with him is much like a man who rides a horse which has the trick of running away. You wouldn't care to own a runaway horse, would you?

When you feel the fierce spirit rising, do not speak until you can speak calmly, whatever may be the provocation. Words do lots of mischief. Resolve, as God helps you, that you will imitate our Saviour, who was always gentle, and when he was reviled, reviled not again.