I see this as a father all the time. Our tendency is to respond in a similar mood to how people around us are acting. Instead we should work to set a proper tone whatever the mood of those around us. Don't let disobedient anger drag you into anger that also disobeys.
Verse 13 - "A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed."
Our outlook and emotions vary greatly, and what's inside tends to show on our face and our body language. More interesting, sorrow is not the result of a crushed spirit, but causes it, if we aren't careful. "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair" - 2 Corinthians 4:8. Negative emotions need to be managed, controlled and sanctified to God. Many of the Psalms show this process.
Verse 28 - "The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."
Know the power of words. Use them to help others, not just get what you want. Verbal restraint is needed, instead of just pouring out words. This is easy for the introvert, but hard for the talkative. If you ponder how to answer, it moderates these tendencies - the talkative will talk less and the quiet will speak when they need to.
God's answer to our sin and rebellion was not harsh. He did not pour out judgment that crushed us. Instead He gave consequences and promised grace. Adam and Eve's (and our) sorrow at their sin did not crush them. God's answer led them to faith, mercy, and eventually a glad heart.
Our outlook and emotions vary greatly, and what's inside tends to show on our face and our body language. More interesting, sorrow is not the result of a crushed spirit, but causes it, if we aren't careful. "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair" - 2 Corinthians 4:8. Negative emotions need to be managed, controlled and sanctified to God. Many of the Psalms show this process.
Verse 28 - "The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."
Know the power of words. Use them to help others, not just get what you want. Verbal restraint is needed, instead of just pouring out words. This is easy for the introvert, but hard for the talkative. If you ponder how to answer, it moderates these tendencies - the talkative will talk less and the quiet will speak when they need to.
God's answer to our sin and rebellion was not harsh. He did not pour out judgment that crushed us. Instead He gave consequences and promised grace. Adam and Eve's (and our) sorrow at their sin did not crush them. God's answer led them to faith, mercy, and eventually a glad heart.
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