Vent Your Frustration!

Have you ever been around someone who is vexed?

Perhaps you are thinking what I am thinking, “M-a-y-b-e . . . what exactly is ‘vexed’?”

‘Vexation’ is not a commonly used word these days, but it is quite descriptive. It is an ‘anger’ word with an added pinch of mental distress and irritation.



Hannah, the mother of Samuel, was vexed when her husband’s other wife continually tormented her because she was unable to bear a child. When you are vexed your mind is swimming with anger and distress due to something/ someone that has irritated you.


So, have you ever been around someone who is vexed?

You can almost see a cloud over their head; they cannot hide it. They huff and grunt and make a show of their bad mood. You might even hear an announcement, “That really ticked me off!” or “I am so mad I could spit!”

FOOL!

It is not nice to call someone a fool, but...

     A fool's vexation is known at once, 
     But a prudent man conceals dishonor.
                                                         --Proverbs 12:16

Vexation is not necessarily bad if you handle it properly. Perhaps we all become vexed at one time or another. The fool is the person who cannot help but make everyone aware of his‘vexation.’ He vents his frustration, according to the wisdom of our day.

The man or woman of true wisdom is different. Instead of demanding attention and becoming a distraction; instead of venting his/her frustration, the wise person shows patience and self control. He knows how to deal with his difficult circumstances, at least in part, by the preceding proverb:

     The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
     But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
                                                                    --Proverbs 12:15

Just be sure to choose your ‘counselor’ carefully if you are vexed. The one who counsels you to be a fool and "vent your vexation" is not giving you wisdom from God.

Be wise.