Title: Harmony at Home (3)
Scripture: Proverbs 14:1-35
Message:
It’s never okay to explode at those God has entrusted to your care.
The Bible says, “Do not get so angry that you sin. Don’t go to bed angry and don’t give the devil a chance (Ephesians 4:26-27 CEV).
Satan would like nothing better than to gain entry to your home and turn it into a living hell, and every time you fly into a rage, you lose ground to him.
That’s why the Scriptures say, “”It’s smart to be patient, but it’s stupid to lose your temper.”
The key to managing your anger lies in finding healthy ways to express it so that it doesn’t end up hurting more than helping.
It’s important to share your feelings, but you must always do it in the right way.
Ultimately it’s not about who’s right and who’s wrong, or who can yell the loudest.
It’s about finding the solution that’s best for everyone.
Understand this: Nobody can be everything you want them to be all the time.
It’s impossible to have a long-term, loving relationship without learning to accept human weakness.
So instead of dwelling on one another’s shortcomings, focus on your collective strengths as a family.
Clinical neuropsychologist Paul Pearsall says, “Most of us would give our own life for…a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted.”
Learn to control your temper; you family is worth it.
After all, who else loves you regardless of what you do?
And where else can go to find comfort and strength that comes from that kind of support system?
And if that is not enough, let’s see what Scripture says on this matter…
1
A woman’s family
is held together
by her wisdom,
but it can be destroyed
by her foolishness.
2
By living right, you show
that you respect the Lord;
by being deceitful, you show
that you despise him.
3
Proud fools are punished
for their stupid talk,
but sensible talk
can save your life.
4
Without the help of an ox
there can be no crop,
but with a strong ox
a big crop is possible.
Reflection: (Proverbs 14:4)
When a farmer has no oxen, the stable will be clean, but he will be unable to make a living.
The only way to keep your life free of people problems is to keep it free of people.
But, if your life is empty of people, it is useless; and if you live only for yourself, your life loses its meaning.
Instead of avoiding people, our lives should be characterized by serving others, sharing our faith, and working for justice.
Is your life clean but empty?
Or does it give evidence of your serving God wholeheartedly?
5
An honest witness
tells the truth;
a dishonest witness
tells nothing but lies.
6
Make fun of wisdom,
and you will never find it.
But if you have understanding,
knowledge comes easily.
Reflection: (Proverbs 14:6)
We all know mockers, people who scoff at every word of instruction or advice.
They never find wisdom because they don’t seek it seriously.
Wisdom comes to those who apply God’s Word to their lives and seek out godly counselors.
If the wisdom you need does not come easily to you, perhaps your attitude is the barrier.
7
Stay away from fools,
or you won’t learn a thing.
8
Wise people have enough sense
to find their way,
but stupid fools get lost.
9
Fools don’t care
if they are wrong,[a]
but God is pleased
when people do right.
10
No one else can really know
how sad or happy you are.
11
The tent of a good person
stands longer
than the house
of someone evil.
12
You may think you are
on the right road
and still end up dead.
Reflection: (Proverbs 14:12)
The “path…that seems right” may offer many options and require few sacrifices.
Easy choices should make us take a second look.
Is this solution attractive because it allows me to be lazy? Does it ask me to change my lifestyle?
Does it require moral restraints?
The right choice often requires hard work and self-sacrifice.
Don’t be enticed by apparent shortcuts that seem right but end in death.
13
Sorrow may hide
behind laughter,
and happiness may end
in sorrow.
14
You harvest what you plant,
whether good or bad.
15
Don’t be stupid
and believe all you hear;
be smart and know
where you are headed.
16
Only a stupid fool
is never cautious—
so be extra careful
and stay out of trouble.
17
Fools have quick tempers,
and no one likes you
if you can’t be trusted.
18
Stupidity leads to foolishness;
be smart and learn.
19
The wicked will come crawling
to those who obey God.
20
You have no friends
if you are poor,
but you have lots of friends
if you are rich.
21
It’s wrong to hate others,
but God blesses everyone
who is kind to the poor.
22
It’s a mistake
to make evil plans,
but you will have loyal friends
if you want to do right.
23
Hard work is worthwhile,
but empty talk
will make you poor.
24
Wisdom can make you rich,
but foolishness leads
to more foolishness.
25
An honest witness
can save your life,
but liars can’t be trusted.
26
If you respect the Lord,
you and your children
have
a strong fortress
27
and a life-giving fountain
that keeps you safe
from deadly traps.
28
Rulers of powerful nations
are held in honor;
rulers of weak nations
are nothing at all.
29
It’s smart to be patient,
but it’s stupid
to lose your temper.
Reflection: (Proverbs 14:29)
A nasty and quick temper can be like a fire out of control, burning us and everyone in its path.
Anger divides people.
It pushes us into hasty decisions that only cause bitterness and guilt.
Yet anger, in itself, is not wrong.
Anger can be a legitimate reaction to injustice and sin.
When you feel yourself getting angry, look for the cause.
Are you reacting to an evil situation that you are going to set right?
Or are you responding selfishly to a personal insult?
Pray that God will help you control a quick temper, channeling your feelings into effective action and conquering selfish anger through humility and repentance.
30
It’s healthy to be content,
but envy can eat you up.
31
If you mistreat the poor,
you insult your Creator;
if you are kind to them,
you show him respect.
Reflection: (Proverbs 14:31)
God has a special concern for the poor.
He insists that people who have material goods should be generous with those who are needy.
Providing for the poor is not just a suggestion in the Bible, it is a command that may require a change of attitude. (See Leviticus 23:22; Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Psalm 113:5-9; 146:5-9; Isaiah 58:7; 2 Corinthians 9:9; James 2:1-9)