This proverb concisely emphasizes the significant difference between the fool and the wise with regard to their responses to ill-times or ill-treatment. The fool lacks self-control, immediately letting everyone know of their annoyance. But the wise trust God, take a deep breath, remain calm, forbearing, and are slow to anger.

When it comes to ill-treatment, for the most part, we have lost our ability to calmly bear with insults. In our current highly individualistic culture, where the self is exalted and celebrated, any insult given to us or others can easily be magnified and blown out of proportion. I immediately think of Will Smith’s slap of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards in 2022 that exemplified the short fuse way of living and the repercussions of impulsive reactions.

Of course, there are times when we need to speak up, but generally speaking, we are far too sensitive. We need more of the Spirit of Jesus than the spirit of our age—the Jesus, who “when insulted did not insult in return but entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

Only the Spirit of Christ in us can consistently and calmly bear with the unkind words and mistreatment from others. Whatever insult we’ve received, like Jesus, we can leave it all to the Father. Because we know that God doesn’t ignore it, we can ignore it and carry on.

Lord, empower me today to not be so easily offended. Help me to have a longer fuse, thicker skin, and a heart that trusts that you can handle the situation better than I can. Amen.