Ask yourself, “Am I an angry man?” If you answered “No,” what if someone were to ask your wife, your children, or those at your workplace if you were an angry man? Would they also say “No”? Anger is mentioned 266 times in the Bible. The majority of these passages are written in regard to God’s anger toward those who sinned repeatedly without repenting. The word angry is mentioned 87 times. Some preachers tell us that we are commanded to be angry. Is this true? Let’s search for the wisdom of God in His Word regarding anger.

Vra jouself, “Is ek ‘n kwaai man?” As jy “Nee,” geantwoord het wat as iemand jou vrou vra, jou kinders, of die wat saam met jou werk of jy ‘n kwaai man is, sou hulle ook “Nee” sê? Kwaad is 266 keer in die Bybel genoem. Meeste van die paragrawe is geskryf met betrekking tot verwysings van God se woede teenoor die wat herhaaldelik sondig sonder belyding. Die woord kwaad word 87 keer in die Bybel genoem.  Sommige predikers sê vir ons dat ons beveel word om kwaad te wees. Is dit waar? Kom ons ondersoek Sy Woord vir die wysheid van God in verband met woede. 

Angry Men in Scripture
Kwaai Mans in Die Skrif

Angry Cain. There are many accounts of angry men in Scripture and the consequences suffered by those who could not overcome their anger. They kept trying to “rise above” their anger. Satan deceived them, because to overcome anger you must bow down with humility. “. . . But for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it’” (Gen. 4:5). It was Cain’s pride that made him envious and angry towards his brother.

Kwaai Kain. Daar is baie verhale in die Bybel van kwaai mans en die nagevolge wat hulle gely het deur die wat nie hulle woede kon bemeester nie. Hierdie mans het probeer om “bo” hulle kwaad uit te “styg”. Satan het hulle verlei, omdat om die kwaad te bemeester moet jy eers neerbuig in nederigheid “...maar vir Kain en sy offer het Hy geen agting gehad nie. Toe word Kain baie kwaad en hy was bedruk. Toe sê die Here vir Kain: “Waarom is jy kwaad? Waarom is jy bedruk? Wag daar nie vir jou blydskap as jy goed doen nie? As jy nie goed doen nie die sonde wag jou in daarbuite en hy wil jou in sy mag kry. Maar jy moet oor hom heers.’” (Gen. 4:5). Dit was Kain se trots wat hom afgunstig gemaak en kwaad vir sy broer gemaak het. 

Moses. Moses was a man whom God used mightily. Yet it was his anger that often got in his way. “But they did not listen to Moses . . . and Moses was angry with them” (Exod. 16:20). Many times he was angered by the disobedience and sinfulness of those he was to lead to the Promised Land. Do you ever get angry with those whom you have been assigned to lead? “An angry man stirs up strife, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression” (Prov. 29:22).

Moses. Moses was ‘n man wie God magtig gebruik het. Tog dit was sy woede wat dikwels in sy pad gekom het. “Maar hulle het nie vir Moses geluister nie… en Moses was woedend oor wat hulle gedoen het. “ (Eksod.16:20). Baie kere was hy kwaad as gevolg van die ongehoorsaamheid en sondigheid van die wie hy na die Beloofde Land moes lei. Word jy ooit kwaad vir die wie jy aangestel is om te lei? “'n Opvlieënde mens veroorsaak rusie; iemand wat kort van draad is, doen sonde op sonde.” (Spr. 29:22).

“But Moses searched carefully for the goat of the sin offering, and behold, it had been burned up! So he was angry with Aaron’s surviving sons . . .” (Lev. 10:16).

“Toe Moses op 'n keer navraag doen oor die sondeofferbok en hy uitvind dat dit verbrand is, was hy kwaad vir Eleasar en Itamar, die seuns van Aäron wat nog gelewe het.. . .“ (Lev. 10:16).

“Then Moses became very angry and said to the Lord, ‘Do not regard their offering! I have not taken a single donkey from them, nor have I done harm to any of them’” (Num. 16:15).

 “Moses het baie kwaad geword en vir die Here gesê: “U moet hulle offergawe nie aanneem nie! Ek het nie 'n enkele donkie van hulle gevat nie en nie een van hulle benadeel nie.’” (Num. 16:15).

“And Moses was angry with the officers of the army . . .” (Num. 31:14).

 “Moses was kwaad vir die bevelvoerders van die leër . . . “ (Num. 31:14).

“And all these your servants will come down to me and bow themselves before me, saying, ‘Go out, you and all the people who follow you,’ and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger” (Exod. 11:8).

“Al hierdie amptenare van u sal voor my kom buig en vra: ‘Jy en jou hele volk moet asseblief trek.’ Dan sal ek trek.” Moses is toe woedend van die farao af weg” (Eksod. 11:8).

“And it came about, as soon as Moses came near the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing; and Moses’ anger burned, and he threw the tablets from his hands and shattered them at the foot of the mountain” (Exod. 32:19). Men, have you ever thrown anything when you were angry? Don’t make the mistake of using Moses’ anger as an excuse for your own anger. The truth is that God did use him mightily in spite of his weakness in this area; but to excuse sin is placing yourself on dangerous ground. By the way, is anger the only sin in your life, or are there other sins such as immorality, covetousness, drunkenness, or carousing? “But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God” (Rom. 14:10).

“Toe Moses naby die kamp kom en die kalf en die dansery sien, het hy woedend geword en die twee plat klippe in sy hand flenters gegooi teen die voet van die berg.”( Eksod. 32:19). Mans, het julle al ooit iets gegooi toe jy kwaad was? Moet nie die fout maak om Moses se woede te gebruik as ‘n verskoning vir jou eie woede nie. Die waarheid is dat God hom magtig gebruik het ten spyte van sy swakheid in hierdie gebied; maar vir jou om sonde te verskoon sal wees om jouself op gevaarlike grond te plaas. Is woede die enigste sonde in jou lewe, of is daar ander sondes soos onsedelikheid, begerigheid, dronkenskap, of ‘n gefuif? “Jy, waarom veroordeel jy dan jou broer? En jy, waarom verag jy jou broer? Ons sal tog almal voor die regterstoel van God moet verskyn.” (Rom. 14:10).

“And Aaron said, ‘Do not let the anger of my lord burn; you know the people yourself, that they are prone to evil’” (Exod. 32:22). All those in our homes are prone to evil. They need our prayers to help keep their paths straight; battle for them in the proper way. Teach them to battle in the proper way. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). If they (or you) are unsaved, they (or you) are slaves of sin. “Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?” (Rom. 6:16).

Maar Aäron antwoord: “U moenie kwaad wees nie. U weet self hoe sleg die volk is. (Eksod. 32:22). Almal in ons huise is geneig tot sonde. Hulle het ons gebede nodig om hulle te help om hulle paaie reguit te hou; veg vir hulle op ‘n behoorlike manier. Leer hulle om op ‘n behoorlike manier te veg.  “Ons stryd is nie teen vlees en bloed nie, maar teen elke mag en gesag, teen elke gees wat heers oor hierdie sondige wêreld, teen elke bose gees in die lug” (Efe. 6:12). As hulle (of jy) ongered is, is jy (of hulle) slawe van die sonde. “Julle weet tog: as julle julle aan iemand onderwerp om hom as slawe te gehoorsaam, is julle die slawe van dié een aan wie julle gehoorsaam is. As dit die sonde is, beteken dit vir julle die dood; as dit gehoorsaamheid aan God is, beteken dit vryspraak en lewe?” (Rom. 6:16).

Moses was a man blessed by God in many ways, but his anger caused him to miss the blessing of going into the Promised Land.

Moses was ‘n man wat op baie maniere deur God geseën was, maar sy woede het veroorsaak dat hy die seën gemis het om in die Beloofde Land in te gaan.

Angry Jonah. “But it greatly displeased Jonah, and he became angry” (Jon. 4:1).

Kwaai Jona. “Hieroor was Jona baie ontevrede en hy het baie kwaad geword.” (Jon. 4:1).

“And the Lord said [to Jonah], ‘Do you have good reason to be angry?’” (Jon. 4:4). Many times, after you calm down, aren’t you surprised when you realize how stupid it was to get so angry over something so small and insignificant?

Toe vra die Here vir hom [Jona]: “Het jy rede om kwaad te word? ‘ ”( Jon. 4:4). Baie keer, nadat jy kalmeer het, is jy nie verras wanneer jy besef hoe onnosel dit was om so kwaad te raak oor iets so klein en onbenullig?

What did Jesus say about being angry? “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell” (Matt. 5:22). Was Jesus just talking about being angry with a brother? No. He was talking about being angry with anyone, even your wife or your children. Does that mean that you are guilty enough for hell? Yes, it does. But, if we are Christians, Christ saved us from the consequences of our sin because He continues to cleanse us from our sins.

Wat het Jesus gesê oor kwaad wees? Maar Ek sê vir julle: Elkeen wat vir sy broer kwaad is, is al strafbaar voor die regbank. Verder, elkeen wat sy broer uitskel vir 'n gek, is strafbaar voor die Joodse Raad; en wie hom uitskel vir 'n idioot, is strafbaar met die helse vuur.” (Matt. 5:22). Het Jesus gepraat oor kwaad vir ‘n broer? Nee. Hy het gepraat oor kwaad wees vir enigiemand, selfs jou vrou of jou kinders. Beteken dit dat jy skuldig genoeg is vir die hel? Ja, dit doen. Maar, as ons Christene is, het Christus ons gered van al die nagevolge van ons sondes omdat Hy voortdurend ons van ons sondes reinig.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The verse says if we confess. The question then is, if you have a problem with anger, have you confessed this sin to the Lord your Savior?

“Maar as ons ons sondes bely, Hy is getrou en regverdig, Hy vergewe ons ons sondes en reinig ons van alle ongeregtigheid.” (1Joh.1:9). Die vers sê as ons bely. Die vraag is dan, as jy ‘n probleem met woede het, het jy hierdie sonde aan jou Here jou Redder bely?

Have you confessed it to those whom you have offended? “Raca” is a word that means “worthless” in Greek. Have you ever told your wife or children, in so many words, that they were worthless? You are guilty of fiery hell, unless you repent. If you think that you will lose their respect by asking them to forgive you, try it and see. They may just give you the respect that you’ve been desiring from them.

Het jy dit bely aan die wat jy tenagekom het? “Raca” is ‘n woord wat beteken “waardeloos” in Grieks. Het jy al ooit vir jou vrou en kinders, in soveel woorde gesê, dat hulle waardeloos is? Dan is jy skuldig aan die helse vuur, tensy jy bely. As jy dink dat jy hulle respek sal verloor deur hule te vra om jou te vergewe, probeer dit en sien. Hulle mag net dalk vir jou die respek gee wat jy van hulle af begeer.

Angry tempers. “For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there may be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances . . .” (2 Cor. 12:20). What would your brothers in Christ find if they walked unannounced into your home or office?

Onbeheerstheid. ”Ek is bang dat, wanneer ek kom, ek julle miskien nie sal vind soos ek dit graag wil hê nie, en dat julle my ook nie sal vind soos julle dit graag wil hê nie. Ek is bang vir twis, naywer, onbeheerstheid, selfsug, kwaadpratery, nuusdraery, verwaandheid en wanordelikheid….” (2 Kor. 12:20). Wat sal jou broers in Christus vind as hulle in jou huis of kantoor onaangekondig inloop?

Commanded to be angry? Many preachers have used the following verse to tell those who want to have their ears tickled that we are actually commanded to be angry. Taken out of context this would seem true. Yet, when searching for the Truth, you need only to read the entire verse: “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity . . . Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear . . . And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God . . . Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Eph. 4:26–32). Anger is a natural reaction when someone offends us, or should we say a fleshly reaction. But as followers of Christ, we are asked to walk in the Spirit! “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16).

Beveel om kwaad te word? Baie predikers het die  volgende vers gebruik om vir die wat graag wil hoor wat hulle wil hoor dat ons eintlik beveel is om kwaad te word. As dit uit konteks gehaal word mag dit waar voorkom. Tog, wanneer ons die waarheid nastreef, het jy net nodig om die hele vers te lees. “As julle kwaad word, moenie sondig nie, en moenie 'n dag kwaad afsluit nie. Moenie die duiwel vatkans gee nie.. Vuil taal moet daar nooit uit julle mond kom nie; praat net wat goed en opbouend is volgens die eis van omstandighede, sodat dit julle hoorders ten goede kan kom. En moenie die Heilige Gees van God bedroef nie, want Hy het julle as die eiendom van God beseël met die oog op die verlossingsdag. Moet nooit verbitter of opvlieënd wees of woedend word nie; moenie vloek of skel nie; moet niks doen wat sleg is nie. Wees goedgesind en hartlik teenoor mekaar, en vergewe mekaar soos God julle ook in Christus vergewe het.” (Efe.4:26-32). Woede is ‘n natuurlike reaksie wanneer iemand ons aanstoot gee, of sou ons sê ons sondige natuur. Maar as volgelinge van Christus, word ons gevra om deur die Gees beheer te word! “ Wat ek bedoel, is dít: Laat julle lewe steeds deur die Gees van God beheers word, dan sal julle nooit swig voor begeertes van julle sondige natuur nie.” (Gal. 5:16).

Walk in love. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma” (Eph. 5:1).

Lewe in liefde. “Omdat julle kinders van God is en Hy julle liefhet, moet julle sy voorbeeld volg. Lewe in liefde, soos Christus ons ook liefgehad en om ons ontwil sy lewe as 'n offergawe gegee het, ja, 'n offer wat vir God aanneemlik was.” (Efe. 5:16,17).

Family scattered. “Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; and their wrath, for it is cruel. I will disperse them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel” (Gen. 49:7). Has your family been scattered? Do your children go outside or to a friend’s house to play when you are home because they are fearful of your anger? Are your teens or young adults gone because of your anger? “And fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). (See Chapter 14, “Father’s Instructions.”)

Familie versprei. “Die straf van God sal hulle tref oor hulle geweldpleging, hulle onbeteuelde drif: hulle sal uitmekaar gejaag word in Jakob, versprei word tussen die stamme van Israel.” (Gen. 49:7). Is jou familie versprei? Gaan jou kinders buite of by ‘n vriend se huis om te speel omdat hulle vreesbevange is vir jou woede?” Is jou tieners of jong volwassenes weg as gevolg van jou woede?  “En vaders, moenie julle kinders so behandel dat hulle opstandig word nie, maar maak hulle groot met tug en vermaning soos die Here dit wil.” (Efe. 6:4). (Sien Hoofstuk 14, “Vader se Instruksies.”)

Slow to Anger
Lankmoedig

God tells us that He is slow to anger. “Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and Truth . . .’” (Exod. 34:6).

God sê vir ons dat Hy lankmoedig is. “Terwyl Hy by Moses verbygaan, roep die Here: “Ek, die Here, is die barmhartige en genadige God, lankmoedig, vol liefde en trou. (Eksod. 34:6).

“The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression . . .” (Num. 14:18).

“Ek, die Here, is lankmoedig en vol liefde; Ek vergewe ongeregtigheid en oortreding . . .  “ (Num. 14:18).

“The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness” (Ps. 145:8).  

“Genadig en barmhartig is die HERE, lankmoedig en vol liefde.” (Ps. 145:8).

Slow or quick to anger—which one are you? God describes the difference between a man who follows God and one who does not.

Geduldig of kort van draad—watter een is jy? God beskryf die verskil tussen ‘n man wat God volg en een wat nie.

Do you exalt folly? If you are quick-tempered you do. “He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly” (Prov. 14:29).

Stel jy jou dwaasheid ten toon? As jy kort van draad is dan doen jy. “n Geduldige mens is baie verstandig; een wat kort van draad is, stel sy dwaasheid ten toon. “ (Spr. 14:29).

Do you stir up strife or do you pacify contentions? “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger pacifies contention” (Prov. 15:18).

Soek jy skoor, of kalmeer jy twis?  'n Humeurige mens soek skoor; 'n verdraagsame mens maak rusies uit die wêreld.” (Spr. 15:18).

Are you better than the mighty? “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city” (Prov. 16:32).

Is jy beter as ‘n bedrewe vegter? “'n Geduldige mens het meer waarde as 'n bedrewe vegter, 'n mens met selfbeheersing meer as iemand wat 'n stad inneem.” (Spr. 16:32).

The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. “This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God” (James 1:19).

‘n Mens wat kwaad word, doen nie wat voor God reg is. “My liewe broers, dít moet julle in gedagte hou: elke mens moet maar te gewillig wees om te luister, nie te gou praat nie en nie te gou kwaad word nie. 'n Mens wat kwaad word, doen nie wat voor God reg is nie.” (Jak.1:19, 20).

How to Gain Control of Your Anger
Hoe om Jou Humeur te Beteul

 By having discretion. “A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression” (Prov. 19:11). How do you gain discretion? “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion” (Prov. 8:12).

Beoefen skranderheid. “'n Verstandige mens beteuel sy humeur en stel sy eer daarin om vergewensgesind te wees.” (Spr. 19:11). Hoe win jy skranerheid? ““Ek, Wysheid, het die verstand, ek het die kennis en die skranderheid.” (Spr. 8:12).

By having wisdom. “Scorners set a city aflame, but wise men turn away anger” (Prov. 29:8). Where do you find wisdom? You find it in your fear of the Lord. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom . . .” (Ps. 111:10).

Verkry wysheid. “Ligsinnige mense bring 'n stad in oproer; wyse mense kalmeer die gemoedere. “ (Spr. 29:8). Waar vind jy wysheid? Deur die Here te dien. Wysheid begin met die dien van die Here….” (Ps. 111:10).

Is this you in your home? “The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; he who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life” (Prov. 20:2).

Is dit jy in jou huis?  “Die koning wek net soveel vrees as die brul van 'n leeu; as jy die koning kwaad maak, is jou lewe in gevaar.” (Spr. 20:2).

Anger produces strife. “For the churning of milk produces butter, and pressing the nose brings forth blood; so the churning of anger produces strife” (Prov. 30:33). Does your anger churn constantly inside you? Is everyone expected to walk on eggshells because you may blow up any minute? “Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it than a house full of feasting with strife” (Prov. 17:1).

Woede veroorsaak rusie. “As jy melk karring, kom daar botter; as jy iemand op die neus slaan, kom daar bloed uit; as jy mense kwaad maak, kom daar rusie.” (Spr. 30:33). Karring daar woede aanhoudend in jou? Is daar van almal verwag om op eierdoppe te loop omdat jy enige minuut mag ontplof? “Liewer 'n stukkie droë brood met vrede daarby as 'n huis vol kos met 'n getwis daarby.” (Spr. 17:1).

Are you “practicing” the deeds of the flesh or the fruits of the Spirit? “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger,disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Gal. 5:19–23).

Is jy “skuldig” aan die praktyke van die sondige natuur of vrug van die Gees? “Die praktyke van die sondige natuur is algemeen bekend: onsedelikheid, onreinheid, losbandigheid, afgodsdiens, towery, vyandskap, haat, naywer, woede, rusies, verdeeldheid, skeuring, afguns, dronkenskap, uitspattigheid en al dergelike dinge. Ek waarsku julle soos ek julle al vroeër gewaarsku het: Wie hom aan sulke dinge skuldig maak, sal nie die koninkryk van God as erfenis verkry nie. Die vrug van die Gees, daarteenoor, is liefde, vreugde, vrede, geduld, vriendelikheid, goedhartigheid, getrouheid, nederigheid en selfbeheersing. Teen sulke dinge het die wet niks nie.” (Gal. 5:19-23).

Quarrelsome Spirit
Twisgierige Gees

 Do you have a quarrelsome spirit? “But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations knowing they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged” (2 Tim. 2:23). Are you a “know it all”? Or do you have a contrary comment for many of the things others say? God tells us to “agree with thine adversary quickly while thou art in the way with him, lest at any time thine adversary deliver thee to the judge” (Matt. 5:25, KJV).

Het jy ‘n twisgierige gees? “Moet jou nie met dwase en sinlose strydvrae inlaat nie, want jy weet tog dat dit net rusies veroorsaak. 'n Dienaar van die Here moenie rusie maak nie. Inteendeel, hy moet vriendelik wees teenoor almal, bekwaam om ander te leer en iemand wat onreg kan dra.” (2 Tim. 2:23,24). Is jy ‘n “ek-weet-alles”? Of het jy ‘n teenstrydige antwoord vir baie van die dinge wat ander sê? God sê vir ons  “kom betyds tot 'n skikking solank jy nog saam met hom op pad hof toe is, sodat hy jou nie voor die regter bring en die regter jou aan die polisie oorgee en dié jou in die tronk sit nie“ (Matt. 5:25, Afr. 83).

Are you argumentative? “Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative” (Titus 2:9). Are you Jesus’ bondslave? Has He bought you with a price? Then you owe it to Him to be well-pleasing.

Praat jy teë? “Die slawe moet in alles aan hulle eienaars onderdanig wees en hulle tevrede stel. Hulle moenie teëpraat.” Titus 2:9. Is jy Jesus se slaaf? Het Hy jou met ‘n prys gekoop?Dan  is jy dit aan Hom verskuldig om Hom tevrede te stel.

Is there strife in your home? Again, “Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it than a house full of feasting and strife” (Prov. 17:1). Are your children loud and unruly? (See Chapter 14, “Father’s Instructions,” for “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge . . .” (Hos. 4:6).)

Is daar ‘n getwis in jou huis? Weer, “Liewer 'n stukkie droë brood met vrede daarby as 'n huis vol kos met 'n getwis daarby.” (Spr. 17:1). Is jou kinders luid en bandeloos? (Sien Hoofstuk 14, Vader se Instruksies, want “My volk gaan onder omdat hulle nie aan My toegewy is nie. Omdat jy jou taak om hulle aan My toe te wy, verwerp het . . .” (Hos. 4:6.)

Do you ever quarrel with your wife? “The beginning of strife is like letting out of water, so abandon the quarrel before it breaks out” (Prov. 17:14). The world, and so-called experts in marriage, tell us that a good fight is actually healthy for the marriage—don’t you believe it!

Twis jy ooit met jou vrou? “Om rusie te begin, is om 'n damwal te breek; staak liewer die getwis voor die vloed jou tref.” (Spr. 17:14). Die wêreld, en so-genoemde huweliks deskundiges, sê vir ons dat ‘n goeie geveg is eintlik goed vir ‘n huwelik—moet jy dit nie glo nie!

Was I Not Joking?
Ek Speel Sommer?

Are you a madman? One of the most common snares that men fall into is joking with others when in public. Do you tease your wife about her weaknesses or sometimes about things that she has confided in you? “Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, so is the man who deceives his neighbor [or his wife], and says, ‘Was I not joking?’” (Prov. 26:18–19).

Is jy ‘n mal mens? Een van die mees algemene lokvalle waarin mans val is om met ander in die publiek te grap. Terg jy jou vrou oor haar swakheid of somtyds oor dinge wat sy in vertroue met jou gedeel het? “Soos 'n mal mens wat dodelike pyle rondskiet, so is iemand wat 'n ander [of sy vrou] bedrieg en sê: ‘Ek speel sommer.’” (Spr. 26:18-19).

Empty words, silly talk, or coarse jesting. “But do not let immorality or any impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and Truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light” (Eph. 5:3–13).

Onwaarhede, ligsinnige praatjies, of vuil praatjies. “Soos dit gelowiges betaam, moet daar van ontug, onsedelikheid in enige vorm, of gierigheid onder julle selfs geen sprake wees nie. Growwe, ligsinnige of vuil praatjies pas nie by julle nie; nee, dank aan God pas by julle. Dít moet julle goed besef: iemand wat ontug pleeg, onsedelik lewe of 'n gierigaard is – want gierigheid is afgodery – het nie deel aan die koninkryk van Christus en van God nie. Moenie dat iemand julle met allerlei onwaarhede mislei nie, want daardeur kom die straf van God oor die mense wat aan Hom ongehoorsaam is. “Met sulke mense moet julle niks te doen hê nie. Vroeër was julle die ene duisternis, maar nou in die Here is julle lig. Leef dan as mense van die lig. Uit die lig kom alles voort wat goed en reg en waar is. Vra julle voortdurend af of iets vir die Here aanneemlik is, en moenie meedoen aan die vrugtelose praktyke van die duisternis nie, maar stel dit eerder aan die kaak. Dit is 'n skande om selfs te praat oor die dinge wat die ongehoorsame mense in die geheim doen. Maar alles word aan die kaak gestel wanneer die lig daarop val.” (Efe. 5:3-13).

Speak as a child. Do you joke, jest, talk silliness, or waste your words with nonsense? Is what you say pleasing to the Lord? Most women hate to be teased. Some are good sports about it; most are not. As a boy, you may have practiced your jokes and talking nonsense with your friends when you were in school or in sports. You probably practiced your teasing on the outcasts at school and more than likely with your brothers or sisters. “When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11). Now that you are a man, put away your childish ways, “trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”

Gepraat soos ‘n kind. Grap jy, skeer jy gek, praat simpelheid, of mors jy jou woorde met nonsens? Is wat jy sê aanneemlik vir die Here? Meeste vrouens haat om geterg te word. Sommige is goeie sports daaroor; meeste is nie. As seuns, mag ons dalk die uitgeworpenes of ons broers en susters by die skool geterg het. “Toe ek 'n kind was, het ek gepraat soos 'n kind, gedink soos 'n kind, geredeneer soos 'n kind. Maar noudat ek 'n man is, is ek klaar met die dinge van 'n kind.” (1 Kor. 13:11). Noudat jy ‘n man is, moet jy jou kinderagtige maniere agterlaat, “probeer om te leer wat aanneemlik vir die Here is.”

Expose them. When other men start joking about their wives, or other empty words are spoken, walk away from these situations or keep silent. When others see the difference in you, they may ask you about it. Expose them to the light of Truth. “. . . But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong” (1 Pet. 3:15–17).

Stel hulle bloot. Wanneer ander mans oor hulle vrouens grappe maak, of leë woorde word gepraat, loop weg van hierdie situasies of bly stil. Wanneer ander die verskil in jou sien, mag hulle jou daaroor vra. Stel hulle bloot aan die lig van die Waarheid. “. . .In julle harte moet daar net heilige eerbied wees vir Christus die Here. Wees altyd gereed om 'n antwoord te gee aan elkeen wat van julle 'n verduideliking eis oor die hoop wat in julle lewe.  Maar doen dit met beskeidenheid en met eerbied vir God. Sorg dat julle gewete skoon bly, sodat dié wat julle oor julle goeie lewenswandel in Christus belaster, daaroor skaam kan kry dat hulle kwaad van julle gepraat het.  As dit die wil van God mag wees dat julle moet ly wanneer julle goed doen, is dit beter só as om te ly wanneer julle kwaad doen”  (1 Pet. 3:15–17).

A slanderer. You must never expose to others a weakness in your wife, nor tell others something your wife told to you in confidence. Remember, “A slanderer separates intimate friends” (Prov. 16:28).

Skinderbek. Moet nooit aan ander ‘n swakheid in jou vrou openbaar nie, of vir iemand vertel wat jou vrou jou in vertroue vertel het nie.” Onthou, “Iemand wat skinder, bring verwydering tussen vriende.” (Spr. 16:28).

The definition of a slanderer in the Strong’s Concordance is rakiyl (raw- keel), a talebearer.

Others may think you’re funny, but God knows your heart. “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy” (Ps. 101:5). “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31).

Ander mag dink ons is snaaks, maar God ken ons hart. “Wie sy naaste beskinder, wil ek uitwis. ” Ps. 101:5. “Dit is verskriklik om in die hande van die lewende God te val.” (Hebr. 10:31).

Let’s all put this type of talk away from us. “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice” (Eph. 4:31).

Moet niks doen wat sleg is nie. “Moet nooit verbitter of opvlieënd wees of woedend word nie; moenie vloek of skel nie; moet niks doen wat sleg is nie. “ (Efe. 4:31).

The Source of Your Anger . . . Pride!
Die Bron van Jou Woede…Hoogmoed!

“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride” (Dan. 4:37).

“Ek, Nebukadnesar, prys en eer en loof die Koning van die hemel. Alles wat Hy doen, is reg, sy optrede is regverdig. Hy het die mag om hoogmoediges te verneder.” (Dan. 4:37).

Why are so many men angry? Is it because Christian men imitate the world and the world’s thinking? Almost all the books we read, the counselors we seek, and the classes we attend do not reflect God’s Word, which is pure and uncompromising. Instead, the church continues to present us with a Christianized worldly view.

Waarom is so baie mans kwaad? Is dit omdat Christen mans dikwels die wêreld en die wêreld se denkwyse naboots? Amper al die boeke wat ons lees, die beraders wat ons uitsoek en die klasse wat ons bywoon weerkaats nie God se Woord, wat diep en kompomeerloos is nie. In plaas daarvan, gaan die kerk voort om vir ons  ‘n Verchristelike wêreld se standpunt aan te bied.

Poison dipped in chocolate is still poison! Men, the deadly worldly views are more dangerous when they are dipped in Christianity because we eat it right up! We have been brainwashed into thinking that “self-love” and “self-esteem” are good things; yet, these attitudes are the root of our problem. It’s the “know-it-all” who argues and wants his own way, because he knows (actually thinks) he is right. And when he is wrong, his self-esteem needs to be protected. There is never a humble word or an “I’m sorry.” The angry man has been conditioned to think that to make an apology would be too humiliating—a sign of weakness. His “self-love” will train him to continue to climb up on his pedestal of pride, only to fall again and again. 

Gif wat in sjokolade gedoop is is nog steeds gif! Mans, die dodelike, wêreldwyse standpunte is meer gevaarlik wanneer dit in Christenskap gedoop is omdat ons dit alles opeet! Ons is verlei om te dink dat “self liefde” en “selfagting” goeie dinge is; tog, hierdie houding is die wortel van ons probleem.  Dit is die “weet-dit-alles wie argumenteer en sy eie manier wil hê, omdat hy weet (dink eintlik) dat hy reg is. En wanneer hy verkeerd is, moet sy selfagting beskerm word. Daar is nooit ‘n nederige woord of ‘n “ek is jammer” nie. Die kwaai man is gekondisioneer om te dink dat om verskoning te vra te vernederend sal wees— ‘n teken van swakheid. Sy “self liefde” sal hom oplei om op sy voetstuk van hoogmoed te klim, net om weer en weer te val.

What is the cure? “And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah” (Exod. 15:23). Moses threw a tree into the water, a representation of the cross of Calvary. You must also throw the cross into your sea of bitterness. Christ died to free you from all sin, including anger, pride, and self-absorbed behavior.

Wat is die geneesmiddel? “ Toe hulle by Mara aankom, kon hulle nie die water drink nie, omdat dit bitter was. Daarom het hulle die plek Mara genoem.(Eksod.15:23). ” Moses het ‘n boom in die watergegooi, ‘n verteenwoordiging van die kruis van Golgota. Jy moet ook die kruis in jou see van bitterheid gooi. Christus het gesterf om jou van alle sonde te bevry, insluitende woede, trots, en self-absorberende gedrag.

Here is God’s prescription. God told us that if we, as a nation, would humble ourselves, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, He would heal our land. Instead, we “walk in the counsel of the wicked” (Ps. 1:1) and we “trust in mankind” (Jer. 17:5). This is why we will have superficial healing! “The brokenness of His people is healed superficially” (Jer. 8:11).

Hier is God se voorskrif. God het vir ons gesê dat as ons, as ‘n nasie, nie die raad van goddeloses volg nie, “nie met sondaars omgaan en met ligsinniges” saamspan nie, dit met ons sal goed gaan. (Ps. 1:1) en ons “stel ons vertroue in mense” (Jer. 17:5). Dit is waarom ons oppervlakkige genesing het! Hulle het 'n goedkoop raat! “Hulle het goedkoop raat vir die wonde van my volk.” (Jer. 8:11).

Psychology in the church. It is extremely dangerous for Christians to act as if man’s ideas or psychology is God’s Word. It is also dangerous to use God’s Word to promote current worldly views in the church. “‘The prophet who has a dream may relate his dream, but let him who has My Word speak My Word in Truth. What does straw have in common with grain?’ declares the Lord . . . ‘Behold, I am against the prophets,’ declares the Lord, ‘who use their tongues and declare, “the Lord declares.”’” (Jer. 23:28, 30, 31). What does psychology (straw) have in common with God’s Word (grain)?

Sielkunde in die kerk. Dit is uiters gevaarlik vir Christene om voor te gee asof die mens se idees en sielkunde God se Woord is. Dit is ook gevaarlik om God se Woord te gebruik om huidige wêreldse sienswyse in die kerk te bevorder. “ Die profeet wat 'n droom gehad het, mag vertel wat hy gedroom het, maar hy wat my woord ontvang het, moet my woord eerlik oordra. 'n Mens kan nie strooi met die beste koring vergelyk nie, sê die Here. . . ‘Kyk, sê die Here, Ek is teen dié profete wat hulle eie stories vertel en dan sê: “Die Here sê so.”’ (Jer. 23:28,31). Wat het sielkunde (strooi) in gemeen met God se Woord (graan)?

Self-esteem
Selfagting

 Are you training and encouraging your children to have self-esteem? The word “self-esteem” should make a Christian cringe since it is just another word for “pride.” This is a wolf’s word in sheep’s clothing! You will soon witness a child who acts so arrogant and self-absorbed that others won’t even like him. It is absurd to think that a child needs to be built up to feel good about himself, as if a child isn’t completely self-absorbed already! From birth, a child wants his own way, so he cries. Won’t a two-year-old scream and pitch a fit until he gets what he wants?

Voed jy jou kinders op en moedig hulle aan om selfagting te hê? Die woord “selfagting” behoort ‘n Christen te laat ineenkrimp aangesien dit net ‘n ander woord vir “hoogmoed” is. Onthou, dit is ‘n wolf se  woord in skaapsklere! Jy sal gou attesteer van ’n kind wie so arrogant en self-absorbeerd optree dat ander nie eens van hom hou nie. Dit is absurd om te dink dat ‘n kind moet opgebou word om goed oor homself te voel, asof ‘n kind nie alreeds self-absorbeerd is nie! Vanaf geboorte wil ‘n kind sy eie manier hê, so hy huil. Wil ‘n twee-jarige nie skree en die stuipe vang totdat hy kry wat hy wil hê nie?

Building your child’s self-esteem. There are books and books and more books written for Christians by Christians, but many of the teachings are not what God teaches in His Word. Let’s look at what God tells us about building our self-esteem or our children’s self-esteem. Let’s find out why we should be careful not to say, “I have my pride!” and “I am so proud of you.”

Bou jou kind se selfagting. Daar is boeke en boeke en meer boeke wat vir Christene, deur Christene, geskryf is, maar baie van die leringe verteenwoordig nie wat God in Sy Woord leer nie. Kom ons kyk na wat God ons vertel oor om ons of ons kinders se selfagting te bou. Kom ons vind uit waarom ons versigtig moet wees om nie te sê, “ek het my trots!” of “ek is so trots op jou.”

Pride is a sin. Pride was the first sin ever committed by the angel Lucifer, who later became Satan. “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor. I (God) cast you to the ground” (Ezek. 28:17). Satan also said, “I will make myself like the Most High” (Isa. 14:14). Yet, we praise our children for their beauty, and we teach our children to “go for the top,” to “reach for the stars,” and to “believe in yourself.”

Hoogmoed is ‘n sonde. Hoogmoed was die sonde wat gepleeg was deur die engel Lucifer, wie later Satan geword het. “Jou prag het jou hooghartig laat word, jou stralende glans het jou jou wysheid laat verloor. Ek (God) het jou op die grond gegooi . . ..” (Eseg. 28:17). Satan het ook gesê, “ek klim op tot bokant die wolke, ek word soos die Allerhoogste self.” (Jesaja 14:14). Tog, ons loof ons kinders vir hulle prag, en ons leer ons kinders om “hoogtes te bereik,” “reik na die sterre” en om te “glo in jouself.” 

“Self-esteem” began as a lie, formed by twisting Scripture. Satan used Scripture when he tempted Jesus in the desert; he uses it today. He just twists it a little and makes it a half-truth. But we know that anything that is half-true is a lie, lest we forget Abraham and Sarah (“she is my sister,” Gen. 12:19).

“Selfagting” begin as ‘n leun, gevorm deur die Skrif te verdraai. Satan het die Skrif gebruik toe hy Jesus in die woestyn versoek het; hy gebruik dit tot vandag toe nog. Hy vedraai dit net ‘n bietjie, en maak dit ‘n halwe waarheid. Maar ons weet dat enigiets wat ‘n halwe waarheid is is ‘n leuen, laat ons nie vir Abraham en Sara vergeet nie (“sy is my suster,” Gen. 12:19).

“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39). Those who have psychology degrees will try to tell you that this verse means you have to love yourself before you can love anyone else. In other words, “self-love” is needed first because some of us, or most of us, hate ourselves. Is this the Truth or a lie? It is a lie! Why—because it contradicts God’s Word. “For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it . . .” (Eph. 5:29).

“Jy moet jou naaste liefhê soos jouself.” (Matt. 22:39). Die wat grade in sielkunde het sal dikwels probeer om jou te oorreed dat dit beteken dat jy jouself moet liefhê voordat jy enigiemand anders kan liefhê. Met ander woorde, “eie-liefde” is eers benodig omdat sommige van ons, of meeste van ons, onsself haat. Is dit die Waarheid of ‘n leuen? Dit is ‘n leuen! Waarom— omdat dit teenstrydig is met die Woord van God. “ want niemand het nog ooit sy eie liggaam gehaat nie. Inteendeel, hy voed en versorg dit . . . (Efe. 5:29).

Jesus teaches that if we are humble we will be blessed. We are to think of others as more important than ourselves. Those who contemplate or threaten suicide are told by the world that they hate themselves, but that contradicts the Word of God. Remember, God said, “No one ever hated his own flesh!” Satan blinds them with pain until they are not thinking clearly. If there is a “spirit of death” in your home, see if this sin has been passed down from a family member. A person who threatens suicide is crying out for help. Help them with love and comfort. Share the Truth. Satan wants them to feel hopeless—give them some hope! (See Chapter 10, “Various Trials.”) Then encourage them to pray with “thanksgiving,” thanking God for everything, including the trials, “knowing they are working together for good” (Rom. 8:28).

Jesus leer ons dat as ons sagmoedig is ons geseën sal wees .Ons moet aan ander meer belangrik as onsself dink. Die wat selfmoord oorweeg of dreig word dikwels deur die wêreld vertel dat hulle hulself haat, maar dit is teenstrydig met die Woord van God. Onthou, God het gesê dat “niemand” ooit sy eie vlees gehaat het nie”! Satan verblind hulle met pyn totdat hulle nie meer helder kan dink nie. As daar ‘n “gees van die dood” in jou huis is, sien of sonde van ‘n familielid oorgegee is. ‘n Persoon wat dreig om selfmoord te pleeg roep uit om hulp. Help hulle met liefde en troos. Deel die Waarheid. Satan wil hê hulle moet hopeloos voel—gee hulle hoop! (Sien Hoofstuk 10, Verskeie Beproewings.”) Moedig hulle aan om in danksegging te bid, en God te bedank vir alles, insluitende beproewings, “Ons weet dat God alles ten goede laat meewerk“ (Rom. 8:28).

Selfishness or empty conceit. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3). “Blessed are the humble [gentle, meek] for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5). These verses of Scripture are so contrary to the way Christians speak these days because of the influence of psychology among believers. If this complacency to God’s Word does not cause you to shudder, it should!

Selfsug of eersug. “Moet niks uit selfsug of eersug doen nie, maar in nederigheid moet die een die ander hoër ag as homself. Julle moenie net elkeen aan sy eie belange dink nie, maar ook aan dié van ander.” (Fil. 2:3,4). “Geseënd is die sagmoediges, want hulle sal die nuwe aarde ontvang. (Matt. 5:5). Hierdie verse in die Bybel is so teenstrydig met die manier wat Christene vandag praat as gevolg van die invloed van sielkunde op gelowiges. As hierdie selfvoldaanheid aan God se Woord jou nie maak bewe nie, behoort dit!

The last will be first. Many teach their children that being first should be their goal and that we cannot please anyone unless we please ourselves. The Truth is, “But many who are first will be last; and the last first” (Matt. 19:30). “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). Help your children to attain Christlikeness by sharing these verses instead of rambling off the worldly clichés we have all heard!

Die laaste sal eerste wees. Baie leer hulle kinders dat om eerste te wees hulle doel behoort te wees en dat ons nie enigiemand kan behaag tensy ons onsself behaag nie. Die Waarheid is, “Maar baie wat eerste is, sal laaste wees, en wat laaste is, eerste.” (Matt. 19:30).  “As iemand die eerste wil wees, moet hy die heel laaste en almal se dienaar wees” (Markus 9:35). Help jou kinders om christelike gelykenis te verkry deur hierdie verse te deel in plaas van om die wêreldse clichés  wat ons almal gehoor het af te rammel!

The world tells us to speak well of ourselves, but Jesus said, “And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:12).

Die wêreld sê vir ons om goed van onsself te praat, maar Jesus het gesê, “Wie hoogmoedig is, sal verneder word, en wie nederig is, sal verhoog word.” (Matt. 23:12).

Learn from Nebuchadnezzar—his grandson didn’t. Nebuchadnezzar (see this section’s opening Scripture), who was proud of his power and wealth, was made to be like the cattle of the field and to eat grass. Yet his grandson chose to exalt himself. “Yet you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this, but you have exalted yourself . . .” (Dan. 5:22–23).

Leer uit Nebukadnesar - sy kleinseun het nie! (Sien hierdie afdeling se opening Bybelvers) , wie trots was oor sy mag en rykdom, was gemaak om soos die wilde diere in die veld te word en gras te eet. Tog, het sy kleinseun verwaand opgetree. “Maar u, Belsasar wat hom opgevolg het, u het u nie verootmoedig nie, alhoewel u dit alles weet. U het verwaand opgetree . . ..”( Dan. 5:22-23).

Pride is evil—it will cause God to humble you. You may think that certain things you go through are humiliating, but God means it for your good. He doesn’t want to humiliate you; He wants to humble you. “For from within, out of the heart of men proceed the evil . . . pride” (Mark 7:21). “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life, is not of the Father, but is from the world” (1 John 2:16). Pride is not of God!

Hoogmoed is boos— dit sal veroorsaak dat God jou nederig maak. Jy mag dink dat sekere dinge waardeur jy gaan vernederend is, maar God bedoel dit vir jou ten goede. Hy wil jou nie verneder nie; Hy wil jou nederig maak. “Van binne af, uit die hart van die mens, kom die slegte gedagtes…hoogmoed.” (Markus 7:21). “Die wêreldse dinge – alles wat die sondige mens begeer, alles wat sy oë sien en begeer, al sy gesteldheid op besit kom nie van die Vader nie, maar uit die wêreld.” 1Johannes 2:16. Hoogmoed is nie van God af nie!

Why do you boast? “For who regards you as superior? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast . . .?” (1 Cor. 4:7). 

Waarom stel jy jouself aan? “Wie maak jou so belangrik? En wat besit jy wat jy nie ontvang het nie? As jy dit dan ontvang het, waarom stel jy jou so aan . . . ?” (1Kor. 4:7).

Instead we are to die to self. “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). “. . . He died for all that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf” (2 Cor. 5:15).

Sterf vir self. “want julle het gesterwe, en julle lewe is saam met Christus verborge in God.” (Kol. 3:3). “...En Hy het vir almal gesterwe, sodat dié wat lewe, nie meer vir hulle self moet lewe nie, maar vir Hom wat vir hulle gesterf het en uit die dood opgewek is.” (2 Kor. 5:15).

As we humble ourselves, then God is free to exalt us. “. . . Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time . . .” (1 Pet. 5:5–6). “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble . . . Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:6, 11). “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Exalt Christ above yourself.

As ons nederig is gee God genade. “. . .  Almal moet trouens teenoor mekaar nederig wees en mekaar help, want “God weerstaan die hoogmoediges, maar aan die nederiges gee Hy genade.’ Onderwerp julle daarom in nederigheid aan die kragtige hand van God, sodat Hy julle kan verhoog op die tyd wat Hy bestem het . . . “(1 Pet. 5:5-6). “God weerstaan hoogmoediges, maar aan nederiges gee Hy genade.” Onderwerp julle in nederigheid voor die Here, en Hy sal jou verhoog.” (Jakobus 4:6,10). “Ek is tot alles in staat deur Hom wat my krag gee.” (Fil. 4:13). Verhoog Christus bo jouself.

Always and in all things, Jesus should be our example in the way that He walked on this earth. “Have this attitude [humility] in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name” (Phil. 2:5–9).

Altyd, in alle dinge  behoort Jesus ons voorbeeld te wees op die manier wat Hy op die aarde geloop het. “Dieselfde gesindheid [nederig] moet in julle wees wat daar ook in Christus Jesus was: Hy wat in die gestalte van God was, het sy bestaan op Godgelyke wyse nie beskou as iets waaraan Hy Hom moes vasklem nie, maar Hy het Homself verneder deur die gestalte van 'n slaaf aan te neem en aan mense gelyk te word. En toe Hy as mens verskyn het, het Hy Homself verder verneder. Hy was gehoorsaam tot in die dood, ja, die dood aan die kruis. het Hy Homself verder verneder. Hy was gehoorsaam tot in die dood, ja, die dood aan die kruis. Daarom het God Hom ook tot die hoogste eer verhef en Hom die Naam gegee wat bo elke naam is,” (Fil. 2:5-9).

What shall we do if we have been prideful?
Wat behoort ons te doen as ons hoogmoedig was?

Learn from the Lord. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart . . .” (Matt. 11:29).

Leer van die Here. “Neem my juk op julle en leer van My, want Ek is sagmoedig en nederig van hart, en julle sal rus kry vir julle gemoed. . .” (Matt. 11:29).

Boast in the Lord. “But he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord. For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends” (2 Cor. 10:17–18).

Roem in die Here. “Hy wat roem, moet in die Here roem.” Die man wat die proef deurstaan het, is nie die een wat homself prys nie, maar die een wat deur die Here geprys word.”( 2 Kor 10:17-18).

Don’t praise yourself. “Let another praise you and not your own mouth; a stranger and not your own lips” (Prov. 27:2).

Moet nie jouself prys nie. “Laat dit aan 'n ander oor om jou te prys, moet dit nie self doen nie; laat dit uit 'n ander se mond kom, nie uit joune nie.” (Spr. 27:2).

And if you don’t humble yourself?
En as jy nie jouself verootmoedig nie?

“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own eyes” (Isa. 5:21).

 “Ellende wag vir dié wat dink hulle het die wysheid in pag, wat dink hulle het baie verstand.” (Jes. 5:21).

“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Prov. 26:12).  

“Jy sien self: vir iemand wat dink hy het die wysheid in pag, is daar minder hoop as vir 'n dwaas.” (Spr. 26:12).

“For anyone who thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” (Gal. 6:3).

 “As iemand hom verbeel hy is iets en hy is niks, bedrieg hy homself” (Gal. 6:3).

“Surely God will not listen to vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it” (Job 35:13).

 “God luister nie na hol woorde nie, die Almagtige slaan daar geen ag op nie.”(Job 35:13).

“An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered” (Prov. 28:25–26).

 “'n Gierige mens veroorsaak rusie; een wat op die Here vertrou, is voorspoedig. Wie op homself vertrou, is 'n dwaas; wie hom deur wysheid laat lei, is veilig.” (Spr. 28:25-26).

“And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God’” (Luke 16:15). “And He humbled you and let you be hungry . . .” (Deut. 8:3).

“Hy sê toe vir hulle: “Julle is dié wat julle voor die mense as goeie mense voordoen, maar God ken julle harte. Wat deur die mense as belangrik beskou word, is 'n gruwel voor God.’” (Lukas 16:15). “Hy het jou laat swaarkry, laat honger ly . . .” (Deut. 8:3).

Can you see anywhere in Scripture where God instructs us to build up our self-esteem? Or do you find anywhere in Scripture where God instructs us to teach our children to have self-esteem? Are we to pride ourselves in what we have done, or made, or accomplished? What will our flattering do to others, especially our children?

Kan jy enige plek in die Skrif sien waar God beveel om jou selfagting op te bou? Of vind jy enige plek in die Skrif waar God ons beveel om ons kinders te leer om selfagting te hê? Moet ons trots wees op wat ons gedoen het, gemaak het, of bereik het? Wat sal ons vleitaal aan ander doen, spesiaal ons kinders?

How do we Begin to Change?
Hoe Begin Ons Om te Verander?

 Confess your sins. “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16). Pray for an opportunity to talk to your wife so you can ask for forgiveness for your anger. Don’t ramble on and on, justifying yourself or blaming her for your anger. Just tell her honestly that God has convicted you of being angry and argumentative. Tell her that with the Lord’s help you can change. Give her a kiss, and then go and ask your children’s forgiveness and explain to your children how God is going to help you to change. Each time you blow up, confess to those who have been hurt by your anger. Continue to ask for forgiveness.

Bely julle sondes. “Bely julle sondes eerlik teenoor mekaar en bid vir mekaar, sodat julle gesond kan word. Die gebed van 'n gelowige het 'n kragtige uitwerking.” (Jak. 5:16). Bid vir ‘n geleentheid om met jou vrou te praat sodat jy om vergiffenis kan vra vir jou woede. Moet nie aan en aan gaan om jouself te regverdig of haar te blameer vir jou woede nie. Sê net eerlik vir haar dat God jou veroordeel het van kwaad en argumenterend wees. Sê vir haar dat jy met die Here se hulp kan verander. Gee haar ‘n soen, en gaan dan en vra jou kinders se vergifnis en verduidelik aan hulle hoe God jou gaan help verander. Elke keer as jy ontplof, bely aan die wie deur jou woede seergemaak is. Gaan voort om vir vergifnis te vra.

First be reconciled. If you don’t feel “led” to go and get things right with your wife and children, never go back into church. “If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering” (Matt. 5:23–24).

Maak eers vrede. As jy nie “gelei” voel om dinge reg te maak met jou vrou en kinders nie, moet nie teruggaan in die kerk nie. “As jy dus jou gawe na die altaar toe bring en dit jou daar byval dat jou broer iets teen jou het, laat staan jou gawe daar by die altaar en gaan maak eers vrede met jou broer en kom dan en bring jou gawe.” (Matt. 5:23-24).

Grace to the humble. Humble yourself; don’t be too proud to admit that you are an angry man. “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Pet. 5:5–6).

Genade aan die nederiges. Verootmoedig jouself;moet nie te trots wees om te erken dat jy ‘n kwaai man is?  “God weerstaan die hoogmoediges, maar aan die nederiges gee Hy genade. Onderwerp julle daarom in nederigheid aan die kragtige hand van God, sodat Hy julle kan verhoog op die tyd wat Hy bestem het.” (1Pet. 5:5-6).

Stumbles. This verse separates the men from the boys, or, actually, the righteous from the wicked. Which one will you prove to be? “For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of calamity” (Prov. 24:16). You will stumble even after you humble yourself and confess your past failures. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). The only way to be victorious is to continue to get up again and confess over and over again. Each confession will bring about more humility; therefore, more grace will abound. This will lead to victory over this area of sin in your life.

Struikel. Hierdie vers skei die mans van die seuns, of, eintlik, die regverdige van die bose. Watter een sal jy bewys om te wees? “Al val die regverdige hoeveel keer, hy staan weer op, maar die goddeloses word deur rampe vernietig.” (Spr. 24:16). Jy sal struikel selfs na jy jouself verootmoedig het en jou gewese mislukkings bely het. “Daarom, wie meen dat hy staan, moet oppas dat hy nie val nie.” (1 Kor. 10:12). Die enigste manier om oorwinnend te wees is om voort te gaan om weer op te staan en om weer oor en oor te bely. Elke belydenis sal meer verootmoediging voortbring, en, daarom sal  genade meer oorvloediger word. Dit sal lei tot die oorwinning oor hierdie area van sonde in jou lewe.

Personal commitment: To put away my angry ways. “Based on what I have learned from God’s Word, I commit to refuse the excusing of my anger and the blaming of others for it. I commit to renew my mind daily and to be a doer of the Word by putting away my angry ways.”

Persoonlike toewyding: Om my kwaai maniere weg te sit. “Gebaseer op wat ek uit God se Woord geleer het, wy ek my daaraan toe om te weier om my woede te verskoon of om ander daarvoor te blameer. Ek wy my daaraan toe om my verstand daagliks te hernu en om ‘n doener van die Woord te wees deur my kwaai maniere weg te sit.”

“Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on, in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:12).

“Ek sê nie dat ek dit alles al het of die doel al bereik het nie, maar ek span my in om dit alles myne te maak omdat Christus Jesus my reeds Syne gemaak het” (Fil. 3:12).