7 Reasons Not to Speak When You Are Angry

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This morning I woke up thinking about the dangers of speaking when you are angry. Yesterday I chatted with a friend in Nashville who said that he had been meditating on Proverbs 11:17, “Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you” (NLT). Some Bible passages need explanation; others, like this verse, speak for themselves. And that set me to thinking about Proverbs 15:1, which says, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare» (NLT). We’ve all tried it both ways, haven’t we? And we’ve learned the hard way about harsh words stirring up anger. 

So why shouldn’t we speak when we are angry? Here are seven things to think about before you open your mouth . . . 

1. You may not know all the facts.

2. You may speak too quickly. 

3. You may say too much.

4. You may use the truth as a club to hurt others.

5. You may say something you regret later.

6. You may hurt innocent bystanders.

7. You may reveal your own weakness.

 What else would you add to that list?