Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION
2 Sept 2026

"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil."
Psalm 37:8

“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.”Psalm 37:8

One rainy evening, Mdm Sui, was involved in a minor collision at a narrow intersection along the busy North-South highway.

Shaken and frustrated, she stepped out to find out what had happened. Driver B also came out of his car, and there was a noticeable smell of alcohol on him. As they confronted each other, emotions rose. Sharp words were exchanged, and both blamed the other for the accident.

Then the unthinkable happened.

Overcome by rage, Driver B returned to his car, pulled out a revolver and fired at Mdm Sui. She was fatally wounded.

Within moments, a minor accident became an irreversible tragedy.

Psalm 37:8 warns us, “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath… it leads only to evil.”

Anger is a natural human emotion, but when we allow it to control us, it can cloud our judgment and lead to words and actions with lifelong consequences. When alcohol, pride or provocation further weakens self-control, the danger can become even greater.

The Bible does not tell us that we must never feel angry. Instead, it teaches us not to let anger rule our response.

We do not have to answer every harsh word.
We do not have to retaliate when provoked.
We do not have to prove that we are right in the heat of the moment.

Sometimes, walking away is not weakness—it is wisdom.

We cannot control another person’s behaviour, but with God’s help, we can control our response. In moments of tension, choose restraint over retaliation, grace over anger, and peace over pride.

One moment of uncontrolled anger can change a lifetime. One moment of self-control can prevent a lifetime of regret.

“Never allow a moment of anger to make a decision that could affect the rest of your life.”