The Power of a Withheld Word
Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. — Proverbs 29:20
Today's Scripture
Proverbs 29:4-11, 20
Today's Insights
Proverbs 29 warns us about the importance of managing our anger. "The wise turn away anger" (verse 8), while "fools give full vent to their rage" (verse 11). An angry person inevitably "stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins" (verse 22). Uncontrolled anger led to humanity's first murder when Cain, despite God's warning to master his emotions, killed his brother Abel (Genesis 4:6-8). Moses provides another powerful example—killing an Egyptian taskmaster in a fit of rage (Exodus 2:11-12). Later, exasperated by the Israelites' constant complaints, Moses disobeyed God by angrily striking the rock instead of speaking to it as instructed (Numbers 20:1-13). The psalmist observes that "they made Moses angry, and he spoke foolishly" (Psalm 106:33 NLT). Indeed, "A quick-tempered person does foolish things" (Proverbs 14:17). Paul cautions believers, "Don't sin by letting anger control you... for anger gives a foothold to the devil" (Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT).
Today's Devotional
After the Confederate Army's devastating defeat at Gettysburg in 1863, General Robert E. Lee attempted to lead his battered forces back to Southern territory. Heavy rainfall caused the Potomac River to flood, blocking his retreat. President Abraham Lincoln urged General George Meade to pursue and attack Lee's vulnerable army. However, Meade's troops were equally exhausted from battle. He chose to rest his men rather than pursue immediate advantage.
Lincoln, frustrated by this missed opportunity, picked up his quill and wrote a letter expressing how "distressed immeasurably" he felt at Meade's hesitation to pursue Lee. Yet on the envelope, in the president's own handwriting, are the words: "To Gen. Meade, never sent, or signed." The letter remained unsent.
Centuries before Lincoln's time, another great leader understood the critical importance of restraining emotions. Anger, however justified it may seem, remains a dangerously potent force. "Do you see someone who speaks in haste?" King Solomon asked. "There is more hope for a fool than for them" (Proverbs 29:20). Solomon recognized that "by justice a king gives a country stability" (verse 4) and that "fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end" (verse 11).
In the end, Lincoln's decision not to send that letter prevented him from demoralizing his top general, contributed to eventual victory in a necessary conflict, and aided in the healing of a divided nation. His example of wise restraint offers valuable lessons for us all.
Prophetic Significance
The practice of emotional restraint exemplified by Lincoln carries profound prophetic significance that echoes throughout redemptive history. This wisdom principle foreshadows Christ's perfect self-control, who "when they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate" (1 Peter 2:23). The prophetic dimension of withholding angry words points toward the coming Kingdom where justice and peace will reign without contradiction. In prophetic literature, God Himself demonstrates divine restraint: "I will not vent the full fury of my anger" (Hosea 11:9). This pattern of emotional mastery anticipates the end-times church, which will demonstrate supernatural fruit of the Spirit amid persecution. The unsent letter represents a prophetic act—choosing relationship over retribution, unity over division—that foreshadows the reconciliation of all things in Christ. When believers practice wise restraint in heated moments, they participate prophetically in God's ultimate plan to restore harmony to creation, where hasty, destructive words will be replaced by the perfect speech of redeemed humanity in God's presence.
Reflect & Pray
Why is it important to cautiously give vent to your emotions? How will you do this the next time you're angry?
Father, I give my emotions to You so that Your Spirit will help me avoid speaking in haste.