Proverbs 15:18-20 (ESV)
18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,
but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
19 The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns,
but the path of the upright is a level highway.
20 A wise son makes a glad father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.
Success is often determined by one’s ability to control her emotions. Many foolish people think they must continually respond to their feelings to be genuine, but reacting to impulses, urges and desires rather than exercising self-discipline is unwise. Those who don’t control anger and resentment create chaos, while the patient woman brings calmness to the people around her. Laziness is also an obstacle to a prosperous life. The diligent person minimizes hindrances to achievement by hard work and determination. The son who puts God’s wisdom into practice, making choices consistent with biblical principles brings joy to godly parents, but the foolish son ignores instruction, wrongly thinking he knows best. How well do you manage your emotions? Are you driven and ruled by bitterness, passion, lust or rage? Allow the real you to be in charge of your feelings today, making good choices, consistent with God’s design for human life, rather than being fueled by impulses and whims.