Conclusion of HOW INSIGHT SLOWS DOWN ANGER

Nabal's wife, Abigail, learned about the incident and went out to see David. Upon meeting David and his men, she fell at his feet and said:  "Let your servant girl speak to you, and listen to the words of your servant girl."  Then, she explained to David how senseless Nabal was and pointed out that David would regret taking revenge and shedding blood. -1 Samuel 25:24-31. 

What insight did David gain fro Abigail's words that helped to defuse the tense situation?  First, he saw that Nabal was a senseless man by nature, and second, David saw that he could incur blood guilt if he avenged himself. Like David, you may be infuriated by something. What should you do?  "Take a few moments to breathe deeply and count to 10," suggests a Mayo Clinic article on anger management. Yes, stop and think what the cause of the problem is and what the consequences of your intended action might be.  Let insight slow down your anger-even dispel it. -1 Samuel 25:32-35. 

In a similar way, many today have been helped to control their anger.  Sebastian explained how, as a 23-year-old inmate in a Polish prison, he learned to control his temper and strong emotions through a study of the Bible.  "First, I think about the problem," he said.  "Then, I try to apply the Bible's counsel. I found that the Bible is the best guidebook."

Setsuo followed basically the same tactic.  He said:  "I used to shout at others when I was irritated by them at work. Now that I have studied the Bible, instead of shouting I ask myself:  "Who is at fault anyway? Am I not the one causing the problem?' "Thinking about such questions slowed down his anger, and he was able to contain the strong feelings that welled up in his heart. 

The emotion of anger may be very strong, but counsel from God's Word is stronger still.  By applying the Bible wise counsel and praying for God's help, you too can let your insight slow down or control your anger. 

Next time: Should I Borrow Money?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2014