What in the world?! Recently a brawl broke out during a kindergarten graduation at an Ohio Catholic school, with parents seen pulling hair and tossing other adults onto the group. The fight broke out after a dispute over seating. One woman went to the hospital with head injuries, another was arrested. One woman caught my attention when I watched the video as she was dressed in red pajamas and furry bedroom slippers.
It was a perfect example of Proverb 14:29: “People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.” [NLT]
Anger in the US is widespread and fueled by many issues. Secular wisdom says it is fueled by political polarization, economic stress, social media, and cultural shifts and that those issues affect nearly half the population. Chronic anger has serious consequences for both individuals and society and can be linked to higher risks of heart disease, burnout, domestic violence, and other harmful behaviors.
Godly wisdom, however, is different. Godly wisdom reminds us that while anger is a human emotion and if it is left unchecked it will not produce the righteousness God desires. Anger needs to be brought under the control of the Holy Spirit.
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.” [James 1:9-10 NLT]