Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
(Jas 1:19 ESV)
I’m taking a slight detour from the Proverbs because I came across this insightful verse while doing my Bible reading today. Note the progression. First we listen. Second we speak. Lastly we react. Naturally we should avoid the anger part if at all possible, but sometimes we will be emotionally moved, and not in good ways. However, if it comes to that, make sure you have been careful to listen first (to both sides of every discussion), then you have spoken with the parties involved (including asking questions to make sure you understood properly), and lastly react. Don’t jump to the last step too quickly.