Thought for the Day

Verse 18 - The person who is slow to become angry does not offend others by speaking to them harshly. His calm words are soothing, and he will not argue about unimportant issues. A hot-tempered man's words invite arguments and encourage strife. The expression of anger ruins many lives. It hurts those who indulge in it and those at whom it is directed. Often, it permanently destroys relationships between families and friends. As Christians, we must learn how to allow the Holy Spirit to help us control our tongues. If we ask for His help, He will deliver us from a spirit of anger.

Verse 19 - The way of the slothful person is difficult. Ignoring one's responsibilities carries a penalty. The sluggard actually makes more work for himself by trying to avoid work. For example, failing to keep good records of bank transactions can result in writing a check for monies that one does not have. This leads to fines and can become a criminal offence, if the overdrawn amount is large enough. At the very least, it gives one a bad reputation. The righteous person avoids such confusion, trouble, and the waste of time and money. Thus, his path is plain, unblocked by thorny problems.

Verse 20 - There are many people today who dishonor their parents. A common way that they do this is by simply ignoring their parents or grandparents, being too selfish to make time to visit or remember them. It is painful for good parents to realize that their children are selfish. It is also displeasing to God, who issues this command: "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" (Exodus 20:12). If they do not repent, these children may find themselves in a similar situation, enduring the same heartbreak later in life. We reap what we sow.

Verse 21 - Fools take pleasure in going their own way. However, any path that is not God's way ends in death (Proverbs 14:12). We all choose how we will walk through life. The wise look to God and find the straight and narrow way of blessing.