Proverbs 14

 A wise man feareth, and depareth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. 

Proverbs 14:16

First off, I see comparisons of a fool and a wise person. 

A fool: 

~ tears up the house

~ pridefully uses words to disgrace others, cause conflict, or ruin relationships - a fool will try to lift himself up while putting others down, but it will ultimately hurt him.

~ lacks discernment and does not speak with wisdom - this person does not have the lips of knowledge so verse 7 warns us to go away from him. A fool's speech is not instructive, edifying, or rooted in truth so why listen to him? This person is morally and spiritually hazardous, so we need to flee from him else our thinking might be corrupted, he might try to pull into arguments, or dull our sensitivity to truth.  

~ has deliberate or blind self-deception - he lies to others and himself, becoming so morally dull he believes his own falsehood. A fool lives without self-examination, preferring a comforting illusion to uncomfortable truth or reality. 

~ mocks sin - he treats sin lightly by laughing at wrongdoing or dismissing guilt.

~ continues on a reckless and stubborn path while being overconfident

~ is defined and marked by his consistent folly which never gives a good reward 

~ exposes his inner ignorance for everyone by being overly talkative and loud

A wise person: 

~ builds the house

~ uses words to protect - he speaks carefully and truthfully which reflects understanding, moral integrity, and patience. We need to practice wisdom in the area of speech because wise words protect the speaker and henceforth avoid conflict, protect reputation, and keep good relationships. 

~ uses wisdom to examine his life - examining involves self-awareness, and he reflects on his choices, motives, direction. He does a moral evaluation, such as asking the question, 'is this path righteous or foolish? God-honoring or self-serving?' He thinks forwardly, meaning he questions the consequences of decisions. This teaches us that wisdom isn't only about understanding the world, but also understanding yourself in light of God's truth. 

~ keeps a healthy fear of sin and danger that causes him to turn away

~ uses wisdom to gain wealth and it's a crown, a reward, for diligence, honor, and good judgment

~ stores up wisdom for the future and applies it from within 

  

Also, this chapter gives us a lesson in anger management. Verses 17 and 29 say: 

He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

and...

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. 

Anger and deceit are character flaws and any person can remove them from his life by taking action to work on it. I'm sure we've all been around someone, or been that person, who gets angry quickly at every little thing. Impulsiveness leads to foolish actions and foolish words. Choices get made without wisdom or self-control. And anger clouds judgement so consequences may occur that could have been avoided with just a little patience and taking time to think before speaking. 

The second verse also warns against being easily provoked. Patience is lifted up as a sign of wisdom and insight. A person who is slow to anger possesses the ability to control his emotions and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. The goal is to respond, not react. One shows self-control and wisdom, the other shows a lack of both. On the other hand, a person who is easily provoked promotes and displays foolishness because a quick temper elevates and exposes a lack of self-control and discernment. 

The ability to be slow to anger does not come overnight. It requires thought, a desire to grow, planning, and discipline. It's also just not an outward controlling, it also requires that the heart be controlled. Whatever's in someone's heart will boil up and out when it's shaken. So friend, I encourage you today, if you struggle with getting angry quickly, be humble enough to admit to God that you need help and start applying what you read in the Bible. Start working. Change won't happen without it. 

James 1:19-20

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.