Today’s scripture: Proverbs 28:13-14
Recently I discovered something about myself. I didn’t think I had an anger problem until something surfaced over a costly decision I made that I later regretted. Instead of quietly trying to correct what I did, I inwardly fumed with frustration projected toward others. “It was their fault for getting me involved in this,” I complained to husband. “I’ll show them. I’ll quit—and I may even post a few cautions on Facebook to warn others who may have dealings with this organization.” Fortunately, my husband talked me off the ledge before I made another, even more costly, regrettable decision.
This is just one more example of how anger and pride go hand in hand. Why should I take ownership for my poor decision when instead I can throw someone else under the bus? In my attempt to make myself look good, I’m making other people look bad.
Solomon said, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Maybe our initial wrong decision wasn’t a sin; however, when we try to shift the blame, we are concealing our own wrong-doing and putting the fault on someone else. Wouldn’t it be a whole lot easier if we just walked the humble route by taking ownership of our mess-ups and kept our emotions in check?
- How do you react when you make a decision you later regret?
- Have you ever become angry and blamed others for your actions? How can you keep your emotions in check by taking ownership of what you’ve done?