Brent Riggs - Saying What's On Your Mind

Proverbs 12:16 A fool's wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame. (NKJV)

Foolishness is lack of wisdom. Foolish behavior manifests itself in various forms and choices.

"A fool's wrath is known at once..." I've seen this on display many times - fools shooting off their mouths every time they feel the urge and especially when they are angry or offended. They can often be heard bragging about how they can "tell it like it is" or "say what's on their mind."

Why is a sharp tongue so foolish? What is wrong about it?

" It reveals a lack of self control

" It shows that a person has not learned meekness and temperance

" It means this person hasn't matured past the point of being constantly on guard of their feelings

" It is evidence that self interest is the first priority, that "self" has not been "crucified in Christ"

A person who becomes easily or frequently annoyed and irritated is primarily motivated by " self concern." They get annoyed because someone spoke ill of them or didn't say what "should" have been said. They become irritated when something is happening that is not of personal interest or benefit to them. They are quick to show impatience and voice criticism when things aren't happening exactly the way they want.

A foolish person is quickly irritated or annoyed, and he is quick to tell you about it.

In addition, they will almost always have a great reason for their irritation, and they will be glad to tell you about that as well.

In contrast, a wise man is thoughtful in his response, and he overlooks insults and offenses. He has an eternal perspective and is more concerned with leading the offender closer to God. The wise man does not concern himself with making sure people know he is mad or hurt. He sees people through the Lord's eyes, noticing the spiritual need that is beneath the behavior. A wise man is mature enough and loves others enough to overlook the offense, seeing the underlying sin that is causing the problem.

1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." (NKJV)

The fool is worried about personal feelings. The wise man is concerned with helping the offender turn to God. The fool sees his own critical impatience as merited and justified. The wise man gives no thought to how he personally feels, but seeks to discern only what God would do.

Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (NKJV)

If you are someone who is easily offended, often irritated, and you make sure everyone knows about it, then you need to carefully examine who is sitting on the throne of your life. If you are quick to anger and frequently annoyed at other people, it is evidence that "self interest" is the king of your life, not Christ.

G. Brent Riggs, author of "Life Without Debt", "Desperation Station" and SeriousFaith.com has over 20 years experience as an business owner, teacher, personal growth coach and mentor. You can contact him from his main website: http://www.gbrentriggs.com