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King Solomon was the consummate diplomat. His valuable advice on assuaging anger is both practical and profound. Eight proverbs give us insight on how to subdue antagonistic people, how to diffuse volatile situations, how to heal dissension, and how to develop patience.

King David, Solomon’s father, gave us a powerful model for handling anger. Because the shepherd-king was called the “man after God’s own heart,” he had profound insight into God’s character. As a result, he responded to life-situations in a healthy, mature way. We can do the same.

Anger is healed by a repentant heart. The dedicatory prayer King Solomon prayed on the Temple mount reveals the king’s clear understanding of the nature of man and the ways of the Divine. Genuine repentance is discussed as we begin to appreciate the greatness of our sin and the infinite grace of God.

Jesus, the Master-Teacher, taught us how to handle anger and proffer forgiveness from His beatitudes, His parables and His example. Forgiveness must come from a grateful heart. Paul teaches us that we should replace our anger with kindness, compassion, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Furnaces come in all shapes and sizes. Some are the fires fueled by pain and suffering. Some fires are caused by our broken world. Some fires are heated for God’s purposes. We lose our bonds in the fire. We don’t lose our eternal rewards in the flames. When unbelievers see us go through the flames and survive, they become believers in God.

Jesus describes His return in Matthew 24. Other passages in Thessalonians, Daniel’s prophecies and John’s vision in Revelation teach that Christ will come twice. He will come in secret for His saints at the rapture and with His saints to judge the earth at the end of time. Are we ready?

In Psalm 127, Solomon encourages parents to establish a stable home environment, to set appropriate boundaries, to practice the art of being “with” and to meet the children’s primary intimacy needs. Parents need to aim their children for a future with the Master

Brain cancer survivor Matt Chandler talks about making the most of every moment by rejoicing in God and remembering His goodness, His redemption and His sovereignty. Every day, we are several hours closer to stand in front of our Great Father.

Technology is part of who we are. We should embrace it. But there is also value in “unplugging” occasionally. Jesus unplugged from the crowds and learned to know His Father in prayer. He unplugged to rest and awoke to calm the storm. He unplugged enough to feel the timid touch of the woman with the issue of blood. He processed His pain at Gethsemane. He unplugged to clearly know God’s plan for His life, so in His dying breaths He could say, “It is finished.”

We have received all things by the grace, the unmerited favor of God, but all our work is done in the light of that truth and in the strength of God’s power. If we are motivated by pride and fueled by self-effort, we will never realize the potential for abundant life that God has for us.

We need to suffer in order to reign with Christ. When you are in the middle of suffering and you doubt that Jesus cares for you, picture Him stretching His scarred hands and showing you proof of His love for you. Desiring God Conference, Used by permission.