Topical Encyclopedia
The term "ill-tempered" refers to a disposition characterized by irritability, anger, and a lack of self-control. In the Bible, such a temperament is often contrasted with the virtues of patience, kindness, and self-control, which are fruits of the Spirit (
Galatians 5:22-23). An ill-tempered person is frequently warned against in Scripture, as this behavior can lead to strife, discord, and sin.
Biblical Warnings Against Ill-Temper:1.
Proverbs on Anger and Temper: The Book of Proverbs offers numerous insights into the dangers of an ill-tempered disposition.
Proverbs 14:17 states, "A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated." This verse highlights the foolishness that often accompanies a quick temper, leading to actions that are regrettable and damaging.
Proverbs 29:22 further warns, "An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression." Here, the ill-tempered individual is seen as a source of conflict and sin, emphasizing the destructive nature of unchecked anger.
2.
New Testament Teachings: The New Testament continues to address the issue of ill-temper. In
Ephesians 4:31, believers are instructed, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." This directive underscores the importance of removing ill-tempered behaviors from one's life to foster a community of love and peace.
James 1:19-20 advises, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." This passage highlights the importance of self-control and the negative impact of anger on one's spiritual life.
Examples of Ill-Temper in Scripture:1.
Cain and Abel: The account of Cain and Abel in
Genesis 4 illustrates the tragic consequences of ill-temper. Cain's anger and jealousy towards his brother Abel led him to commit the first murder, demonstrating how unchecked emotions can lead to grave sin.
2.
Moses: Although Moses was a revered leader, his ill-temper is evident in certain instances. In
Numbers 20:10-12, Moses' frustration with the Israelites led him to strike the rock twice to bring forth water, disobeying God's command. As a result, he was denied entry into the Promised Land, showing the serious repercussions of losing one's temper.
Encouragement for Self-Control:The Bible encourages believers to cultivate self-control and patience as antidotes to an ill-tempered nature.
Proverbs 16:32 states, "He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city." This verse elevates the virtue of self-control above physical might, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer.
In
Galatians 5:22-23, self-control is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that it is a quality that should be evident in the life of those who walk by the Spirit. By relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome the tendencies of an ill-tempered nature and reflect the character of Christ in their interactions with others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Of bad temper; morose; crabbed; sour; peevish; fretful; quarrelsome.
2. (a.) Unhealthy; ill-conditioned.
Library
Whether the Philosopher Suitably Assigns the Species of Anger?
... iv, 5) where he says that some angry persons are "choleric," some "sullen," and
some "ill-tempered" or "stern." According to him, a person is said to be "sullen...
Whether the Species of Anger are Suitably Assigned?
... are easily angered; some he calls {pikroi} [bitter], because they retain their anger
for a long time; and some he calls {chalepoi} [ill-tempered], because they...
Letter i. Behavior and Manners.
... temper irritability, indolence. It is impossible for the selfish or
ill-tempered girl to win love and friends. Generosity, kindness...
What the Flowers Say.
... There is no sunshine on that face. There is nothing but a dark heavy cloud. The
ill-tempered child has no sunshine on his face. He lives down in a dark cellar....
Abigail's Sensible Advice
... Now therefore decide what you will do, for evil is planned against our master and
against all his household, for he is such anill-tempered man that no one can...
The Fifth Word from the Cross
... It rebukes our softness and intolerance of pain. How easily we are made to cry out;
how peevish andill-tempered we become under slight annoyances!...
Jean Jacques Rousseau.
... He drew the most charming pictures of female loveliness, and married, after
long-continued illegal intercourse, his servant,"a vulgar andill-tempered woman....
May 16:
... 16-May. May 16th. What theill-tempered person has to deal with, . . .
mainly, is the correspondence, the temper itself. And that...
May 15:
... 15-May. May 15th. Theill-tempered person . . . can make very little of
his environment. However he may attempt to circumscribe it...
Letter viii. Who are the Cultivated?
... sings and plays beautifully, paints and draws in a genuinely artistic manner, speaks
French and German like a native, and yet she isill-tempered and shrewish...
Thesaurus
Ill-tempered (1 Occurrence)Ill-
tempered. Ill-taught,
Ill-
tempered. Ill-treat . Noah Webster's Dictionary
... Multi-Version Concordance
Ill-
tempered (1 Occurrence).
...Irritable (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.)ill-tempered; impatient; easily inflamed
or exasperated; as, an irritable temper. 2. (a.) Very...
Ill-treat (3 Occurrences)
Ill-treat.Ill-tempered, Ill-treat. Illtreated . Multi-Version Concordance...
(See RSV).Ill-tempered, Ill-treat. Illtreated . Reference Bible.
Ill-taught (1 Occurrence)
Ill-taught. Ills, Ill-taught.Ill-tempered . Multi-Version Concordance
Ill-taught (1 Occurrence).... (WEY). Ills, Ill-taught.Ill-tempered . Reference
Resources
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