Together in Christ: 'Will I Stay Calm?' — Proverbs 12:16

Monday, July 22, 2024

A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.
— Proverbs 12:16 NLT

Key Thought

In a world of road rage, demand for instant justice, and a hair-trigger about being dissed, we desperately need to hear the truth in today's proverb. The fool in this proverb is the exact opposite of the person who is "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry" — the kind of person Jesus' brother, James, called us to be. [1] The fool in our proverb is undoubtedly not the kind of person Jesus is trying to form us into becoming as a part of His Kingdom. [2]

So the question is: How do we "stay calm when insulted"?

Our answer lies in those we allow to determine our worth and value. If we have been baptized with Christ, [3] then God claims us as His beloved child who brings Him "great joy," just as Jesus did at His baptism. [4] Jesus presents us to the Father and the hosts of heaven as "holy and blameless as [we] stand before him without a single fault." [5] God has promised to be with us and never forsake us, [6] so what can someone do to us by disrespecting us or insulting us?

As my dad used to say before I went on a date or out with my buddies, "Son, remember who you are, and more importantly, remember Whose you are. I love you!" Not a bad thing to remember in a world that keeps wanting to knock us down, drag us down, and keep us down.

If God is for us, who can ever be against us? ... Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one — for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one — for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. [7]
[1] James 1:19.
[2] For example, Matthew 5:43-45; Romans 12:13.
[3] Galatians 3:26-29.
[4] Luke 3:21-22.
[5] Colossians 1:22.
[6] Hebrews 13:5-6; Romans 8:31-39.
[7] Romans 8:31-34.

Today's Prayer

Father, protect my heart from being overly defensive with insults or feeling that I must prove my worth to those who insult and disrespect me. I know Your love for me, Jesus' sacrifice for me, and the Spirit's work to transform me. I know that it is You Who determines my identity, value, and worth. Help me to stay calm in the face of insults and to remember who and Whose I am! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 3:21-22, 4:1-14
  • Romans 12:9-12

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Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 12:16 NLT — A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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