“And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, ‘You exact usury, every one of his brother.’ And I set a great assembly against them” (Nehemiah 5:6-7).

As you have read the verses today, please understand that you and I have broken into the middle of a very serious situation. After all that Nehemiah and his workers had been through, he discovered that some of the nobles and rulers were mistreating the Jewish brothers. Nehemiah was angry. Look carefully at the things Nehemiah did when he was angry. There is a rich and practical pattern for us to follow. When Nehemiah was angry he did the following things. He slowed down and did not respond rashly. Next he thought through the situation. He actually talked with himself and thought about the situation. Lastly he laid a plan to deal with the situation. His stand was strong and courageous. However it was not rash and revengeful. What a great lesson for us! When we get angry sometimes we do things that later we regret. When I was a police chaplain many years ago, I discovered that alcohol and anger kept the police department very busy. Both are bad and must be avoided! Nehemiah’s self-control is a good lesson and reminder for us today.

For today: There will be plenty of opportunities to be angry. May the Lord give us plenty of opportunities to be wise in our action as well!