In a culture where revenge and retaliation are highly valued (Kill Bill, anyone?), it isn’t popular to promote kindness and patience towards those who are angry with us, especially when we are truly being wronged. But ironically this is exactly what Solomon learned in his wisdom. Why is this so? Because at the core, anger is a very strong emotion that influences our ability to think rationally and lovingly. If uncontrolled, anger causes us to act and speak impulsively, and often we damage ourselves and others in the process. Proverbs 14:29 says, “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts...

A crucial point on the path to contentment is the battle against anxiety, which is defined as incessant concern and fear over life challenges. Anxiety is basically the fear of feeling out of control of difficult circumstances. In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul gives some interesting advice about dealing with anxiety. He says, 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will...