WHAT’S THAT IN YOUR LAP?

Ecclesiastes 7:9-12

⁹ Do not allow yourself to be angered quickly, because anger stays in the lap of stupid people. ¹⁰ Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these days?” because it is not wise to ask that. ¹¹ Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing; it benefits those who recognize the light of day. ¹² Because wisdom can provide protection, just as money can provide protection. But the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of the person who possesses it.

life preserver

Wisdom – particularly the kind of wisdom that avoids the angry grudge – is described as a life preserver. But those who spout out angry criticisms when something happens they don’t like – they are described as carrying the anger with them on their lap. In modern parlance, they have a chip on their shoulder. It does not change their situation, but it surely changes them, making them hard to live with, and inclining others to avoid them.

LORD, preserve our lives by keeping us from angry grudges.