1 Samuel 20:34
“So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and ate no food the second day of the month, for he was grieved for David, because his father had treated him shamefully.”

There are things we can control and things we cannot control. Things we cannot control are the actions of people around us. People will say things and act in ways that provoke us into anger. Surely, we cannot control this.

What we can, however, control is how we react when provoked. One of the greatest challenges we will face as pilgrims will be managing our reactions when provoked. As emotional beings, we should expect provocation to stir us one way or another.

But the Bible says, “Be angry but sin not” (Ephesians 4:26). Most people commit sin by reacting to provocations, but that does not have to be our portion. Let us agree that it is possible to be angry without sinning.

To think we will never be angry will be unrealistic. Even Jesus was angry. Our real calling is how we express anger when angry because our words and actions could produce death, if not properly handled.

Look at Saul. When he was angry with Jonathan in verses 30-33, his words were venomous. He did not only curse Jonathan; he cursed Jonathan’s mother and then tried to kill his own son. Anger is a fire with dire consequences.

But Jonathan reacted differently to his anger. In verse 34, Jonathan arose in fierce anger, but he spoke to no one at that moment. He simply walked away to the field and ate no food. This was his way of grieving and managing his anger.

Let’s learn from Jonathan. When provoked to anger, ensure you do these two things. Keep your mouth shut, and walk away. Simple as they sound, these are the most difficult things to do. But doing them will save you and your relationships.

If you feel you need to talk or act, then it must never be in anger or from a spirit of anger. When Jonathan spoke in verse 32, he was not boiling with anger, because he still had self-control. But by verse 34, his anger had become fierce.

Know yourself. Know when you can still handle things in anger and when you cannot. So as not to corrupt yourself and others around, please take our simple advice when your anger is hot. Please, keep quiet and walk away.