“The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.”(James 3:6) “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”(Proverbs 19:11) “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”(Proverbs 14:29) “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”(Proverbs 16:32) “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”(James 1:19) “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.”(Proverbs 17:27) Margin, “a cool spirit.” (2T 426.1) MC VC

Our great Exemplar was exalted to be equal with God. He was high commander in heaven. All the holy angels delighted to bow before Him. “And again, when He bringeth in the First-begotten into the world, He saith, And let all the angels of God worship Him.” Hebrews 1:6. Jesus took upon Himself our nature, laid aside His glory, majesty, and riches to perform his mission, to save that which was lost. He came not to be ministered unto, but to minister unto others. Jesus, when reviled, abused, and insulted, did not retaliate. “Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again.” 1 Peter 2:23. When the cruelty of man caused Him to suffer painful stripes and wounds, He threatened not, but committed Himself to Him who judgeth righteously. The apostle Paul exhorted his Philippian brethren: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:5. Is the servant greater than his master? Christ has given us His life as a pattern, and we dishonor Him when we become jealous of every slight, and are ready to resent every injury, supposed or real. It is not an evidence of a noble mind to be prepared to defend self, to preserve our own dignity. We would better suffer wrongfully a hundred times than wound the soul by a spirit of retaliation, or by giving vent to wrath. There is strength to be obtained of God. He can help. He can give grace and heavenly wisdom. If you ask in faith, you will receive; but you must watch unto prayer. Watch, pray, work, should be your watchword. (2T 426.2) MC VC