Fools Rush In
“Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread,” is familiar. As I read it, I It was first written by Alexander Pope in 1709. He was targeting literary critics and closed his poem with, “Nay, fly to Altars; there they’ll talk you dead; For Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread.”
Edmund Burke borrowed the line in Reflections on the Revolution in France in 1790, Thomas Hardy used it in 1887, and James Joyce in 1922 as well as many others. However, today, it is familiar to most of us because in 1940 Johnny Mercer and Rube Bloom made it the title of a song about falling in love. The most popular recording of their song was Ricky Nelson’s in 1963.
The line has been used in articles, books, films, movies, songs, and every day conversation—and has referred to much more than the original application to literary critics, to a revolution, or to love. While looking at some verses in Proverbs this week, I decided that the line is very fitting for anger.
The statement could have been coined from wisdom in Proverbs about people who struggle with anger.
- A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back (Prov. 29:11).
- Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him (Prov. 29:20).
- Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel (Prov. 20:3).
- A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind (Prov. 18:2).
Anger is common to mankind. Some people experience it more than others, but it is universal. Anger does not distinguish between the wise man and the fool. The distinction is determined by whether or not they rush to express their emotion.
A wise man holds his anger back. A fool loses his temper, is hasty in his words, and quick to quarrel. He doesn’t try to understand the other person; but is quick to vent his feelings.
If we control our tongue, we can can avoid being a fool—and conquer much of the strife in our life and relationships.
Nobody wants to admit they are fools. However, if you’re quick to get angry, facing the reality that you fit God’s definition of a fool might help you change.
Proverbs 17:28 says, “Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is counted prudent (discerning, understanding).”
When angered, ask yourself:
- Is rushing in worth it?
- Will it matter tomorrow—or next year?
- Do you really need to point out the other person’s problems? Defend yourself? Justify your actions?
Don’t rush in where angels fear to tread. Be wise. Hold your tongue.
You don’t have to be a fool. With self-control, you can avoid rushing in where angels fear to tread, Furthermore, it will lead to peace in your relationships.