June 4, 2026

Business by the Book

Psalm 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Anger is seldom productive. Oftentimes anger and wrath is a petri dish for growing evil actions. Evil actions always bring forth unwanted and unintended circumstances. In business, anger at its very best should be treated as a controlled substance; as a dangerous element that must be guarded against similar to any other toxic material.

Cargo companies must be notified if any hazardous material is being shipped in their vehicles. Only drivers and vehicles with the proper training and credentials can transport such substances. Likewise anger should be identified and those in close proximity to it need to be prepared and properly trained on how to handle it.

What business is it that has been in business any length at all that has not had an irate customer or two? Those on the front line of customer service should be trained in how to properly handle the angry customer. Far too often it has been my experience that anger is met with anger; these two negatives do not equal a positive. It is not a cold and indifferent mathematical equation, but two individuals with varying objectives that have egos, pride, and many times conflicting opinions.

Jesus taught that we should Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him:… (Matthew 5:25)  Herein is the best advice on how to swiftly and effectively disarm anger. How simple it is to type these words, but how difficult it is to live them.

Anger will not change an accident, it will not turn back the clock giving an opportunity for a “do over,” and it will not solve any problem. The best that can be said for anger is that it provides a temporary emotional outlet for one party while perhaps eliciting confusion, fear, resentment, and injury for the other party.

Be careful of anger, it is an emotional trap that has waylaid many unsuspecting souls. Control anger, manage it, regulate it, do away with it if possible, and deal with it appropriately if not. In the Bible there is a man named Nabal that was an angry man whose anger led him to do evil things. He died prematurely because his anger was focused on the wrong man (King David). Learn from Nabal and cease from anger for its price is much too costly.

Dr. William Howe