A quick temper, often referred to as a short temper or being easily angered, is a disposition that is frequently addressed in the Bible. Scripture provides guidance on the dangers of a quick temper and the virtues of patience and self-control.

Biblical Warnings Against a Quick Temper

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of a quick temper, highlighting the potential for sin and discord. Proverbs 14:17 states, "A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated." This verse underscores the foolishness that often accompanies rash anger, leading to actions that are regrettable and harmful.

Proverbs 29:22 further elaborates, "An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression." Here, the text illustrates how a quick temper can lead to conflict and an increase in sinful behavior, disrupting peace and harmony.

The Call to Patience and Self-Control

In contrast to a quick temper, the Bible extols the virtues of patience and self-control. Proverbs 16:32 declares, "He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city." This verse elevates the value of self-restraint, comparing it to great feats of strength and conquest.

The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of self-control as a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" as attributes that believers should cultivate. Self-control, in particular, is essential in managing one's temper and maintaining a Christ-like demeanor.

Examples of Quick Temper in Scripture

Several biblical figures exhibit quick tempers, serving as cautionary tales. Moses, despite his close relationship with God, displayed a quick temper when he struck the rock at Meribah instead of speaking to it as God commanded (Numbers 20:10-11). This act of disobedience, driven by frustration and anger, resulted in Moses being denied entry into the Promised Land.

Another example is found in the life of King Saul. His quick temper and jealousy towards David led to numerous attempts on David's life and ultimately contributed to Saul's downfall (1 Samuel 18:8-11).

Practical Guidance for Overcoming a Quick Temper

The Bible offers practical advice for those struggling with a quick temper. James 1:19-20 advises, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." This passage encourages believers to practice active listening and thoughtful speech as means to control anger.

Additionally, Ephesians 4:26-27 provides guidance on managing anger: "Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold." This instruction acknowledges that anger itself is not inherently sinful but warns against allowing it to fester and lead to sin.

Conclusion

The Bible's teachings on a quick temper emphasize the importance of self-control, patience, and the pursuit of peace. By adhering to these principles, believers can avoid the pitfalls of rash anger and cultivate a spirit that reflects the character of Christ.Proverbs 14:17
He that is soon angry deals foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
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Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city.
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Ephesians 4:26-27
Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath:
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Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
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Proverbs 14:29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly.
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Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
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Proverbs 29:11
A fool utters all his mind: but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards.
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Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirs up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeases strife.
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Proverbs 14:16
A wise man fears, and departs from evil: but the fool rages, and is confident.
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7116. qatser -- short
... quick-tempered* (2), short (2), short-lived* (1), who (1). few, hasty, small, soon.
From qatsar; short (whether in size, number, life, strength or temper) -- few ...
/hebrew/7116.htm - 6k

7307. ruach -- breath, wind, spirit
... 1), mind (3), motives (1), points (1), quick-tempered* (1), side (4), sides (2),
Spirit (76), spirit (127), spirits (3), strength (1), temper (2), thoughts* (1 ...
/hebrew/7307.htm - 6k

Ill-Temper
... A quick temper really incapacitates for sound judgment. Decisions are struck off
at a white heat, without time to collect grounds or hear explanations. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/ill-temper.htm

Third Commandment
... I have a very quick temper. I inherited it from my father and mother, and it
is uncontrollable; but my swearing comes only from the lips.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/third commandment.htm

The Slave's Girdle
... weak, sinful creature!' It would do you a great deal more good to say, 'I am a very
passionate one, and my business is to control that quick temper of mine,' or ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the slaves girdle.htm

Personal Experience
... was not perfected. Then unfortunately I had a quick temper, which I found
justification had not destroyed. It was materially repressed ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter xiii personal experience.htm

Index of Names and Subjects.
... the story of his soul, 317; "the Weeping Prophet," 318; voice of pain and protest,
318; his irony and scorn, 321; fluid and quick temper, 332; poet's heart for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/index of names and subjects.htm

Resolves to Go to College. Friends Oppose. Wife Decides It. Hard ...
... By nature he had a quick temper, and was very impulsive. By Christian culture
he came to be a model in gentleness, patience and self-control. ...
/.../chapter viii resolves to go.htm

The Olivet Message.
... of those nine characteristics"bitterness, envy, hate, low-spiritedness, sulkiness,
chafing, fretting, worrying, short-suffering, quick-temper, hot-temper ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the olivet message.htm

In Urging Repentance St. ...
... Let us ponder that with ourselves and say, He who is reproved for quick temper is
more righteous than I. For if we thus speak, we guard ourselves against this ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter viii in urging repentance.htm

Protest and Agony. (I, iv. 10, 19, vi. 11, xi. 18-xii. 6, xv. 10 ...
... the Lord.(733) Even with God Himself he is hasty.(734) There are signs throughout,
naively betrayed by his own words, of a fluid and quick temper, both for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/1 protest and agony i.htm

Satan Considering the Saints
... Small pots boil directly they are put on the fire, and so little men of quick temper
are soon in a passion; larger vessels require more time and coal before ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm

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