I just want to vent
A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back. Proverbs 29:11
Sometimes I just feel like venting. I don’t want anything to come out of it, I’m not even trying to sway others to take on my opinions. I just feel like I want to let it all out instead of holding back. The problem with that is, I don’t feel better after. In fact, I often feel worse. I feel like I have release a bad attitude and said things I really shouldn’t have felt, let along said. Today’s verse says the fool is the one that wants to always let his feelings out. You could say the fool likes to give others a piece of their mind. It doesn’t help anything and it never encourages others or builds them up. Even if you say, I’m not hurting anyone, but I just want my say in the matter, that doesn’t make it any less foolish.
In contrast, the wise person holds back from releasing bad feeling. In fact, the wise can actually keep their emotions in check by not allowing the bad thoughts in. Consider this: If you train your heart (aka guard) to recognize when a wrong feeling or thought is trying to get in, you can stop it immediately. I now do this instead of venting my feeling. My secret is to pray for the person that is causing me to have the negative thoughts and feelings immediately when the idea comes. There is nothing that closes the door faster on those negative, unwanted emotions than lifting others up in prayer. The best thing about that is God gets the victory!!
Today I want to encourage you to be wise with your changeable feelings. Take control of your thoughts and words, don’t let them control you. Whatever the situation is that has you rattled, look for ways to be a part of the solution, not part of the problem. Lift other up to God that may be frustrating you or coming against you, and don’t be foolish by venting all your feelings, exercise grace and compassion instead!
Today’s scripture reading: Proverbs 29
The Daily Dose 