Proverbs 29

“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.” Proverbs 29:11 (NKJV)
“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” (NIV)
I find it interesting that the word “vent” is used. Venting is generally just complaining for a long time with the hope that it will make you feel better. Really if we are learning to take captive our thoughts we will think of other things and not the things that are upsetting us so much. You can basically pray about things or change your thoughts to think about something else. A wise man will hold his feelings back. That really isn’t in the nature of women is it? We always need to tell people how we feel. This is not the only place that the Bible tells us not to let our feelings run the show. Remember that the heart is deceitful above all things. Verse 20 also addresses the issue of self control and speech. There is more hope for a fool than for a man who speaks to quickly. If you have been going through this study then you know how bad it is to be a fool. And now we are told that there is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks in haste. Wow! I long to perfect self control, in my speech particularly. My desire is to be a wise, self-controlled woman who does not vent all my feelings.
V 20…There is no need or purpose in fearing man. We need to always trust in the Lord. We can easily become ensnared by what-ifs. Trusting in the Lord through all circumstances will bring us both peace and safety.