Proverbs | A 31-Day DevotionalSample

Slow Down and Stay Cool - Proverbs 14
One of the best habits we can develop is learning to take a breath before reacting negatively to an emotionally charged situation. It’s easy to open our mouths and say what’s on our minds or fire off a text or email without thinking through the consequences. Anytime I have reacted too quickly, I have always regretted it, but I’ve never regretted waiting and cooling down.
Proverbs 14 gives us several verses warning us against being “quick-tempered”:
Verse 16 “…a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.”
Verse 17 “A quick-tempered person does foolish things…”
Verse 29 “...one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
The warning is that we must be patient. Take a breath and take a few minutes to let your mind cool down. Think about the situation. If you can, wait 24 hours and sleep on it before you respond. Maybe after 24 hours, you will see a different perspective and get some clarity or wisdom. Also, face-to-face conversations are much better than text messages, emails, or even phone calls. Proximity brings empathy. Emotional outbursts and negative words can destroy relationships. There is a better way – slow down and stay cool!
“Father, give me the strength to take a breath and cool down when I’m tempted to react negatively in an emotionally charged situation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Scripture
About this Plan

The book of Proverbs gives us practical thoughts on walking in wisdom. In this 31-day reading plan, John Siebeling shares personal encouragement drawn from each Proverbs chapter. Every day includes a scripture reference, short devotional, and prayer to help you grow your life.
More
Related plans

Lent Youth Guide | Jesus' Real Talk During His Hardest & Darkest Moments

How Sweet the Sound

Lent: The Journey of Letting Go

Our God Who Pursues: Guiding Us Back to Him

Week 2: Knowing Truth in the Age of AI

Titus: Godliness in a Rebellious Culture | Video Devotional
![[Know This] Promises of a Precious Faith](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapistaging.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans-staging%2F55603%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
[Know This] Promises of a Precious Faith

In Crisis but Not Consumed

Art in Scripture: The Earth Is the Lord's
