How to appear smart…

Being around impulsive, impetuous people who cannot seem to control their temper and/or emotions is often not a pleasant experience. Unfortunately I have suffered with having a temper of legendary proportions for much of my life. As more and more grey hair appears on my head and wrinkles carve their way deeper into my face, I am pleased to see that more and more often I am able to control my emotions and temper in spite of turmoil and sometimes chaotic adversity. Some have called it getting mellow in my old age; however it is far more than that. It has taken much hard work. This has been very difficult for me as I have had a wicked temper for as long as I can remember and controlling it has not been easy. It is compounded by the fact that I think very fast and making fast judgments is often not conducive to sound decision-making. Although I am still not 100% where I want to be, more and more often I find that I quietly think things through and reflect to myself on most situations prior to saying anything aloud.



It is somewhat comical to me now as I spend much of my time counseling and mentoring young hot-blooded and hot-headed managers to step back and take a deep breath and think things through before rushing to make a bad decision; (The kettle preaching to the pot syndrome.) If you are plagued with a hot temper or impulsive nature and rush to judgment, slow down. I have two signs prominently displayed on my desk, one by my telephone and one by my computer monitor. The signs simply say: THINK! I want to remind myself to think before I speak, and that includes speaking via e-mail. I once had a boss that told me when I get mad at someone to sit down and write them a letter and tell them everything that I ever wanted to tell them including that I wanted them to know that I think they are a lowdown scoundrel and other words to that effect. Then he said to tear it up! I have never regretted following his advice on this subject. I have regretted disregarding it and sending the letter on more than one occasion. I try to keep a log of the most stupid blunders that I have ever made; blunders of this nature top the list. It is poignant that God gave us two ears and one mouth. We should listen twice as much as we speak…



This has been one of my top goals for self-improvement for several years. As one would imagine, the Bible has some encouragement regarding this subject.





Proverbs 17:27

He who has knowledge spares

His words,

And a man of understanding is

of a calm spirit.

Even a fool is counted wise

When he holds his peace;

When he shuts his lips he is

considered perceptive.



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How well do you know the Bible?

There are seven things that are an abomination to the Lord, what are they?

Proverbs 6:16

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