Foolishness of Impulsiveness
Eccl. 10:4
“If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest.”
This passage talks about a fool who is a boss or master. It certainly is not uncommon that people in authority are not the best qualified, but Solomon also talks about how to address those who are in authority over you and the wise way to respond. It is best to be calm, be self controlled, and be patient. It is foolish to be impulsive, respond in anger, and seek revenge.
It is not wise to run from troubles, but be able to face them; not to hide from consequences of actions, and, even if your boss or the person in authority is angry, your calmness and easy spirit can ease tensions and lay aside many errors. Don't make things worse. When mistakes come, and they will to all, face them openly, honestly, and calmly and you will be better off rather than quitting your job because you've had your feelings hurt. No problem is ever solved by running from it.
There are ministers I know that move every 2-3 years in their pastorate. That doesn’t seem as common as it used to be when I left seminary. I have a friend, who as soon as trouble came, he looked for another church. He did not handle conflict very well. He also missed the chance of growing and learning from those experiences. Folly is seen in impulsive behavior.
Anger can lead us to impulsive acts that are not thought out. Road rage is a perfect example of anger that has given over to impulsive acts of aggression and exchange of words that quickly escalate. A soft word, ignoring the agitator, and if need be, call 911 or drive to a safe place is a plan that is predetermined, not impulsive anger. The results are better for all. Before you say a word in anger, wait a bit, think about what you really want to say, and when it is best to say it.
Pleasure can lead us to impulsive acts that we regret later. We want something in a store, we might be tempted to be impulsive and buy it only to regret that purchase later. We see the luscious dessert at the end of a full meal in a restaurant and quickly eat more calories than is healthy. We might be tempted at a fair to take chances in winning a big prize only to discover loss that we could not afford. Desire for riches can lead us to impulsive acts that cause poverty. Investments, expensive purchases, and get rich quick schemes often end in ruin. Giving a matter prayer and patience is a wiser course of action in the long run.
Proverbs 3:5,6 becomes a healthy prescription for foolish impulsiveness, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.”
When we pray for wisdom and seek guidance of the Lord in prayer it gives us time to think more about a decision or an activity and we are more open to the leading of the Lord. This is the way of wisdom.
