Proverbs | A 31-Day DevotionalSample

Slow Down and Stay Cool - Proverbs 14

One of the best habits we can develop is learning to take a breath before reacting negatively to an emotionally charged situation. It’s easy to open our mouths and say what’s on our minds or fire off a text or email without thinking through the consequences. Anytime I have reacted too quickly, I have always regretted it, but I’ve never regretted waiting and cooling down.

Proverbs 14 gives us several verses warning us against being “quick-tempered”:

Verse 16 “…a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.”

Verse 17 “A quick-tempered person does foolish things…”

Verse 29 “...one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”

The warning is that we must be patient. Take a breath and take a few minutes to let your mind cool down. Think about the situation. If you can, wait 24 hours and sleep on it before you respond. Maybe after 24 hours, you will see a different perspective and get some clarity or wisdom. Also, face-to-face conversations are much better than text messages, emails, or even phone calls. Proximity brings empathy. Emotional outbursts and negative words can destroy relationships. There is a better way – slow down and stay cool!

“Father, give me the strength to take a breath and cool down when I’m tempted to react negatively in an emotionally charged situation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”