Once again that whole balance thing!!!

I've mentioned before that I believe the Bible is a book of balance.  You have to take it in its entirety.  Here is a great example.

Ecclesiastes 7:9(NKJV)

    Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry,     For anger rests in the bosom of fools.

Now is this verse condemning ever getting angry or is it just a caution to be slow to anger?  How do we tell.  I would suggest that we look to the rest of Scripture. 

Take note of what I have highlighted in yellow above.

Exodus 4:14(NKJV)

So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said: “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And look, he is also coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 

1 Kings 11:9(NKJV)

So the Lord became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the Lord God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, 

Hmm, did Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes just call God a fool?  Solomon said that anger rests in the bosom of fools.  I have supplied two Scriptures (and there are many more) that tell of God's anger.  Do you think that is what Solomon meant?

This is where the whole balance thing comes in.  Here is my interpretation of it.  I don't believe the Bible tells us to never be angry.  In fact Ecclesiastes actually says there is a time for anger which makes Solomon's verse above that much more weird because if Solomon said there is a time for anger then why would he then say anger rests in the "bosom of fools"?

I believe the Bible is simply warning us to be slow to anger.  Don't take offense at every little thing.  Be ready to let things slide.  Be forgiving.  But there is a point where enough is enough.  There is a point where righteous anger is justified. 

How do we determine that point?  Through the study of God's word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  I believe that the more effort we put in to drawing closer to God the easier it is to determine these things.

So start your journey today.  Get in to God's Word on a daily basis.  Now life will occasionally get in the way.  Don't beat yourself up over that.  God knows your heart.  As long as you are sincere in your desire to draw closer to God you aren't going to be punished for missing a day or anything like that.

Please join me in seeking God and I hope you enjoy the journey!