"Men are like steel; they are of little use when they lose their temper," said actor Chuck Norris. The Bible agrees. In Proverbs 16:32 the Lord says, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
Everyone is tempted at times to fly into a rage of anger. There are occasions when we are all offended, insulted, or hurt, and our first impulse is to strike out in anger. Only self-discipline can prevent this. We can control our temper. In fact we all do when we are in certain places or in the company of certain people. There are men, women, and young people who are kind, gentle, and even-tempered when at work or at school but they easily fly off the handle when they are at home. If we can control ourselves in one place, we can do it in another. It is entirely a matter of self-discipline.
A controlled temper is a sign of strength and maturity. Only the weak and childish cannot control themselves. The Lord says, “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression” (Proverbs 19:11).
When we lose our tempers, we usually say things that we later regret. A good rule to follow when you are angry is “When you feel like saying something—don’t.” Even the Bible says, “The fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards” (Proverbs 29:11). Even before Jesus cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem, he went home and slept on it.
The person who can’t control his temper is apt to lack control over the rest of his desires and emotions. Such undisciplined people are an easy prey to every evil. The Bible says, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28).
Work on self-control. Ask the Lord to help you. Prayer and effort are hard to beat.