Brent Riggs - Saying What's On Your Mind

By Author: Brent Riggs
Total Articles: 22
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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..." In other words, fools shoot off their mouths every time they feel like it, especially when they are mad, offended or insulted. Fools will often be heard bragging about how they "say what's on their mind" or "tell it like it is."

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

" It shows a lack of self control

" It reveals that a person has not learned temperance and meekness

" It clearly demonstrates that the person has not matured past the point of constantly being on guard of their feelings

" It is evidence that self is the top priority - self has not been "crucified in Christ"

A person who becomes easily or frequently annoyed and irritated is primarily motivated by " self concern." They get annoyed because someone spoke ill of them or didn't say what "should" have been said. They become irritated when something is happening ...
... that is not of personal interest or benefit to them. They are quick to show impatience and voice criticism when things aren't happening exactly the way they want.

Foolish people are easily irritated and annoyed and are 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, a wise man is thoughtful in his response, and he overlooks insults and offenses. He has an eternal perspective and is more concerned with leading the offender closer to God. The wise man does not concern himself with making sure people know he is mad or hurt. He sees people through the Lord's eyes, noticing the spiritual need that is beneath the behavior. A wise man is mature enough and loves others enough to overlook the offense, seeing the underlying sin that is causing the problem.

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 concerned about personal feelings. A wise man concerns himself with helping the offender find GOD. The fool thinks his impatient feelings are justified. The wise man doesn't consider how he feels but aims to discern what God would have him to 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.