Against Every Irritation

In all the relationships of life, in all relationships with people, there are times that are rich and rewarding, and times that are tense and trying. This is true at home; it is true where we work; it is true wherever we live our lives.

There are times where all of us are under pressure. There are times when all of us are less than at our best. There are times when all of us have much to overlook in al of us. No two of us will make one thing in the same way, and no one of us would ever always please anyone else altogether—especially not if the person he was trying to please were disposed to find fault. (It is all but impossible to please a person who has made up his mind to find fault.) And so all of us at times could find reason to be irritated by others.

Frequently cited is the sentence from Proverbs which says “the soft answer turneth away wrath: …” The rest of the sentence says: “…but grievous words stir up anger.” We cannot reasonably permit ourselves to be walked over, but neither should we contend every passing irritation.

In all the ways of life, both in public and in private places, the quick sparking off, the hasty retort, the sarcastic comment, the intemperate temper, the chip-on-the-shoulder attitude, the impatience of pressure makes for misunderstanding and for discomfort for everyone around. If everyone is harsh and hard, everyone gets harsher and harder. When everyone persists in sparking sparks, fire is sure to follow.

Likely, in some respects we could live more alone, more apart form people, if we were determined to do so; but because of mutual benefits and services and pleasant associations, we choose to live together. We choose to be where others are. And in choosing to live together for the benefits that come of it, we must learn to give up something of ourselves.

And against the tenseness and the temper of our time, well would we look at ourselves, and relax a little, from the rush and pressure and impatience, in the spirit of good and gracious living, and of good and gracious getting along together.

In all of life, wherever we live and work and walk, may we never forget the “oft answer [that] turneth away wrath,” nor ever forget sincere consideration and appreciation for the people with whom the Lord God has given us the privilege of living our lives.