Slow To Anger (Magnanimity). Prov 19:11 says, "Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense" (ESV).Not no anger. Some Christians think that getting angry is always a sin. But it is a sin when we are not angry when we should be angry about things that anger God.
Not blow anger. Blowing up in anger without self-control (so easy to do!) is always a sin. Thus, Prov 16:32 says that one who controls his temper is greater than one who conquers a city.
But slow to anger, for our God is "the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness" (Exo 34:6) (Num 14:18, Ps 103:8, etc). Otherwise, God would surely have incinerated us already! The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect manifestation of God's slow anger, for God put His Son on the cross instead of us.
Man proposes, God disposes. Prov 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a human heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." For all of man's freedom to plan whatever he wants, in the final analysis, he will only advance God's designs! Though we strongly insist that it is either my way or the highway, it will always only turn out God's way: Proverbs 16: My Way or the Highway.
Some Essential Features of a Good Life (Prov 19:16-23) (ESV Study Bible):
- listen to instruction/advice (Prov 19:16,20,27)
- be kind to the poor/weak (Prov 19:17)
- be involved in your children's lives and discipline them (Prov 19:18)
- avoid friendships with those who lack self-control (Prov 19:19)
- acknowledge the rule of God (Prov 19:21)
- understand that love and integrity are what bring real happiness (Prov 19:22)
- fear the Lord (Prov 19:23)
- there is never any excuse for laziness (Prov 19:24)
- discipline is necessary and important for all (Prov 19:25, 29)
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