Proverbs 19

“The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.” (Proverbs 19:11, NKJV)

It is not often that I have regretted the thing I didn’t say. But there are many things I have spoken in anger that I have later regretted. Delaying anger has an almost magical effect on gaining perspective—especially if we combine it with prayer. This is discretion, and it will save us much trouble.

Moses was the servant of God. The LORD spoke to him face to face, as a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:11). Yet Moses lost his temper before the people and misrepresented God.

“And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, ‘Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?’” (Numbers 20:10, NKJV)

That single act of indiscretion cost Moses the Promised Land. And yet it seems that men are so prone to being quick to anger and quick to speak harsh words. It is better to be slow to anger and to wait on the LORD for the right response. We are representing Christ. How often has He overlooked our sins? Therefore, it is good for us to overlook the sins of others and remember grace.

Does that mean that I never deal with trouble? Not at all. It simply means that I remove the plank from my own eye before removing the speck from my brother’s eye.