Brent Riggs - Saying What's On Your Mind

Impulsive words can betray foolishness and selfishness.

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 it foolish to have a quick, sharp tongue? What is wrong? What is missing?

" It shows an obvious 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 is the top priority - self has not been "crucified in Christ"

People who are easily or frequently annoyed and irritated are primarily motivated by concern for themselves. They become annoyed when others speak ill of them or do not say what "should" have been said. They are characterized by irritation and frustration when events happen that are not of personal interest or do not personally benefit them. They quickly show their impatience and voice criticism when things don't happen exactly the way they expect them to.

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

And they will always have a great excuse for their irritation, which, no doubt, they will be glad to inform you of.

In contrast, the wise man is thoughtful when responding to others, being quick to overlook insults or offenses. He has eternal interests at heart and he is more concerned with the other person's relationship with God than his feelings. The wise man does not feel the need to tell others when he is mad or hurt. He sees people through the eyes of the Lord, discerning the spiritual need that is underneath the behavior. A wise man is mature and he loves others enough to overlook the offense and see the sin that needs to be dealt with.

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

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