#even-tempered

Tuesday, 3/7/23

SCRIPTURE:

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.   ~ Proverbs 17:27

OBSERVATION:

Words have meanings...

What those meanings are and how they can be heard, when they should be used, requires wisdom in choosing them...

...not just the knowledge of what they mean...

Understanding - of God's grace-filled temper - when what I deserve is NO patience - should  - and is (finally) beginning to - show in how I react to things I feel have "wronged me" -

...though I tend to not lash out in anger to people as much as with myself or things that "don't do what they're supposed to do. / made to do / ought to do.."

...but who am I to talk about not doing what's supposed to be done - what I'm made to do...

I found out this morning that besides state of mind or hardening in metalwork, temper also means the fine tuning of a musical instrument to precisely adjust the intervals between notes - and so "even tempered" = in tune...(?)

This might be a stretch and a reach, but the last half of this verse could be read as, "...and whoever has understanding is in tune with what God wants and has planned..."

APPLICATION:

Be restrained in my words... in my word choices...

Remember God's more than even temperedness...

Seek understanding before speaking...

Stay in tune with and through the Spirit...

PRAYER:

Grace tempered Father God... I acknowledge my lack of restraint and expressions of anger at things beyond my control - privately with myself (and of course, You), when things don't go my way or as planned... Thank You that Your Holy Spirit lovingly reminds me that I am one to point fingers or grow angry - especially with myself - and especially since You have blessed me with being able to come into Your presence through Jesus and rest in obedience to Your Word and will for my life... Tune me to Your still small voice... In Jesus's Name, in thankfulness for Your grace, and for Your honor and glory in all things - even and especially the small things...

Yours, in Him - gratefully and humbly and joyfully...

g

do you know that moment when you find out unwanted news, and the bottom of your stomach becomes a bottomless pit that aches and burns with every thought? that moment where your cheeks get hot, your hands tremble, & your throat tightens up and you feel desperate to take action? well whatever you do, don't do anything.

this is something i've learned only through years and years of embarassing blunders and hurtful attacks of rage. each time i'd hear something that made me jealous, i wouldn't even think twice to react. sometimes i'd throw direct hits at the offender, and others i'd be subtle and conniving. whichever route i took, one thing was always certain during those times: i could in no way be identified as a Christian.

letting God take control instead is the most beautiful thing ever. He's just dying to lift this huge burden off of you. in fact, He did die to do just that. you and i have the easy part. all we have to do is hand over the reins & sit back.

today, for instance, i was rummaging through the kitchen out of sheer boredom, hoping to find something to occupy my time with, when i found a bag of Tostitos Chips. i quickly opened the bag and dug my hand in, looking forward to the moment when i'd have them in my mouth. but then i thought, these taste so delicious, but will it have been worth it when i step on the scale right afterwards (as i do whenever i binge) ? i replied out loud "no way, triana. you don't even need this, there's something better and healthier for you, like a fruit. so just stop dead in your tracks." saying this out loud helped me retrieve my (empty) hand, close the cabinet, and walk out of the kitchen.