I want to give you four instructions taken from Proverbs 15 to help relieve stress in your home.
Learn to Laugh
“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken” (Proverbs 15:13). When it says “the spirit is broken,” that means the string has snapped. Have you ever noticed you don’t have to teach children to laugh; you have to teach them when not to laugh? You see if you have the joy of the Lord in your heart, it’s going to show on your face!
Cultivate Contentment
“Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith” (Proverbs 15:16-17). Many of us are uptight because our value system is all wrong. We think if we have more, then these things will bring us happiness. But many times the striving for things is what brings tension into the home. First Timothy 6:6-8 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain
Alleviate Anger
“A wrathful man stirs up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeases strife” (Proverbs 15:18). This Scripture shows us that anger brings stress and strife. We need to be peacemakers in our homes. We also see in Proverbs 15:1 that “A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” The way to control your anger is to control your words – your speech. Perhaps, you might say, “I just can’t control it.” Oh yes you can!
Walk in Wisdom
“Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walks uprightly. Without counsel purposes are disappointing: but in the multitude of counselors they are established” (Proverbs 15:21-22). Stress in the home is just simply a sign that you have forsaken the wisdom of God. God is not the author of confusion. He gives wisdom.
