Proverbs 19:19

A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

Most of us have a “soft spot” for someone else…a child, a sibling, a close friend, even a pet. We tend to look away or minimize when they do or say something they shouldn’t. We say, “Oh, they didn’t mean that.” or “Well, that’s just the way they are.” or “You just have to excuse them.” The problem is that the bad behavior continues and gradually gets worse. Eventually the behavior will lead to some major consequences that will affect not only them but others. You (and they) can end up in a “hot mess”.

The Bible provides some wisdom that not only applies to people with a “hot temper”, but in other areas of behavior. Behavior left unchecked eventually becomes a habit. Habits turn into “normal” behavior. And as we all know, some habits are hard to break.

So what should we do? Some call it “tough love”. Some say, “They’ve got to find out for themselves.” I usually say, “I can’t teach them, but Life can.” Sometimes you have to let that person experience the consequences of their actions before they will “see the light” and change their behavior.

With kids, you have more control, and are able to teach/instruct/discipline. But with adults, consequences are sometimes the best “teachers”. So be mindful of your “soft spots”.