Do you consider yourself “calm, cool and collected?” Here is why I ask. I was reading in my Devotionals recently and came across these two sets of Scripture. First, I read James 1:19-20 (NKJV, which says, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; {20} for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Then, I read Proverbs 17:27 (NKJV). It says, “He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.”
The Hebrew word in Proverbs 17:27, that translates into “calm” is “kar.” it means “excellent,” but also means “to chill” or “be cool.” Together, James 1:19-20 and Proverbs 17:27 teach about a patient, measured response to those unsettling or irritating surprises that life brings. We could paraphrase them to say this. Wise people “chill out” when the pressures come. They immediately listen carefully, while measuring how to respond. The response will be good because it will be done with a considered, cool, calm, peaceful spirit. We should all practice the skill of being “cool” when things heat up. Next time your anger arises, give it a try. I’m Dr. Bob. Here’s a question worth thinking about. What practical, biblically-based steps can you take to prepare yourself to be “calm, cool and collected” in preparation for the next time heat up?