Proverbs 15:28-30 (ESV)
28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
and good news refreshes the bones.
The wicked and righteous can be distinguished by their speech. The one who considers others thinks carefully about her words and the impact they will make. The self-centered person blurts out harmful words, often rooted in hurt feelings and bitterness. When the wicked are mad, everyone is going to hear about it. God draws close to the righteous, listening to her prayers of repentance and requests for help, but he doesn’t extend this help to the evil. Good news brings joy to the heart and the soul, and the gospel brings abundant joy to all who believe. How do you handle yourself when your feelings are hurt? Do you allow resentment to build up until you unleash bitter words in a fury? Or do you consider that God may be orchestrating our disappointments to make us more like his Son. When you are tempted to vent your anger today, make sure it’s truly for the good of all concerned.