Chapter XIV: The Hasty Mother

I. How common! Yet the Bible commands us not to be hasty. Eccles. vii. 9.

A woman’s ornament should be a meek, and quiet spirit (1 Pet. iii. 4),
and a nurse is mentioned as being especially gentle to the little ones.
1 Thess. ii. 7.

II. Observe the angry woman,

How foolish! Prov. xiv. 29; xxix. 20.

How provoking! Prov. xv. 1.

How wearing! Prov. xix. 13; xxvii. 15; xxi. 19.

Drives the husband from his fireside.

Sets an evil example to the children.

Often does in her haste, what she heartily repents at leisure.

III. Therefore,

1. Put away anger. Eph. iv. 31.

Do not be _soon_ angry. Prov. xiv. 17. Jam. i. 19.

‘Meekness gives smooth answers to rough questions.’

2. Exercise self-control. Prov. xxv. 28; xvi. 32.

3. Teach it to your children.

III. Remember, a hasty temper is a _fault_, not a _misfortune_. Accustom yourself, and your children, to view it in its right light.

IV. Ask help from God to subdue it, for temper is hard to conquer, and meekness is a fruit of the Spirit. Gal. v. 22. Matt. v. 5.

You _need help_, for there is much to provoke a wife, and mother.

You _need help_, for you are very weak, but you can do all things
through Christ who strengtheneth you. Phil. iv. 13.