THIRTY
SAYINGS OF THE WISE
SAYING NUMBER TWO
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered
person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways
and get yourself ensnared.” (Proverbs 22:24–25, NIV)
This is a warning not to make a close
associated with a 'hot-headed' person.
The point is obvious: you will learn their ways! Other Proverbs in this collection give us a
similar caution, e.g.,
“A
quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes
is hated.” (Proverbs 14:17, NIV)
“Whoever is
patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
(Proverbs 14:29, NIV)
A hot-tempered person
causes injury and is by definition foolish.
Why would a relationship not be swayed the other way? Why would a hot-tempered person not learn
from the patient? The tendency, despite
our optimism is that “Bad company corrupts good
character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV) "A bad attitude toward life and people is
contagious and deadly; therefore the wise will choose their friends carefully."[1]
A quick temper is not a sign of a
personality quirk. It is the sign of
moral corruption. “Do not be quickly
provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” (Ecclesiastes
7:9, NIV). James 1:19–21 (NIV) reminds us:
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be
quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because
human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore,
get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept
the word planted in you, which can save you.
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