Day 15 – The Trap of a Quick Temper
Proverbs 15:18 (NLT) “A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.”
Devotional Reflection: Anger doesn’t need a plan it just needs a spark. One careless word. One wrong tone. One delay in traffic or an offense on social media… and boom.
You’re not responding you’re reacting.
But here’s the deception: anger feels like control while it’s silently robbing you of it. That’s the trap. Proverbs says the hot-tempered person starts fights even unintentionally because they’re led by emotion instead of wisdom.
Moses knew that trap. He was chosen by God, walked in power, and spoke with the Lord face to face. But in Numbers 20, when the people complained yet again, Moses didn’t pause. He didn’t pray. He let frustration take the wheel.
God told him: “Speak to the rock.” But Moses, driven by anger, struck it twice.
The water still flowed, but Moses paid a high price: he never entered the Promised Land. His legacy wasn’t ruined but his next season was lost.
Anger is deceptive because it feels righteous. But uncontrolled, it opens doors to decisions that delay destiny. It fractures relationships, poisons peace, and shuts out the very wisdom that could bring healing.
Emotion must serve truth not lead it. Self-control isn’t weakness it’s spiritual authority in motion.
Personal Application:
- What triggers me? Have I spiritualized my temper instead of surrendering it?
- Where has my quick reaction cost me something relationally or spiritually?
- How can I pause and pray before I speak?
Prayer: Lord, I surrender my reactions to You. Help me recognize when anger is creeping in and choose Your Spirit over my impulse. I don’t want to lose what You’ve promised because I couldn’t pause. Teach me to be slow to speak, slow to anger, and quick to listen. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Truth to Hold: “Anger makes bold moves but wise hearts make lasting ones. Don’t strike when God says speak.”