The Danger of Jumping in too Soon

Proverbs 19:19Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse.Proverbs Daily is a reader-supported publication. All posts are free, but all donations help spread the message. When you see the word "upgrade," you're simply invited to help me make the sacred positively contagious...thank you in advance for becoming a free or paid subscriber.A young trainee once asked a lifeguard,“Why don’t we jump in right away when somebody is drowning?”The lifeguard replied,“Because when a swimmer is thrashing in panic, they’ll grab onto anything—even their rescuer—and still in a panicked state, drag you under with them. If I go too soon, I won’t save them. I’ll drown too.”The trainee frowned.“So what do you do instead?”He said,“I stay close. I wait for the fight to wear down, for that moment when they’re ready to be pulled to safety. That’s when rescue works.”⚠️ Proverbs 19:19 in The Message Version says:“Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse.”Sometimes the most loving thing is to not rush in. Let anger wear itself out, otherwise you risk both of you going under.🤔 Real Life ExampleLet me make this plain.Almost a decade ago, my wife and I suffered a terrible separation. One of the hardest backlashes—was watching my children experience the pain of their parents’ fighting, separating, and facing divorce. My son, in particular, seemed to hate me. His words toward me were often sharp, hostile.At times I wanted to put him in check, but more than anything I wanted to fix it, to explain it, to rescue the relationship. But while in prayer, I heard wisdom whisper: “Let him hate you. He doesn’t hate you as much as he thinks he does. His anger will exhaust itself.”And so I waited.Yesterday, that same son turned 28. And the best gift I could ever receive—was him walking into the room, hugging me, and telling me he loved me.Some stories can find their way to a happy end. You just have to wait for it.🎤 Remember:Sometimes love looks like waiting at the water’s edge—close enough to save, patient enough to let the storm run out.PrayerLord, teach me patience, wisdom, and timing in every rescue.Today’s ChallengeBefore you try to “fix” someone’s anger today, pause and ask:Will my words rescue, or will I get pulled under too?Let God’s timing guide your response.About the AuthorFred Lynch is a creative communicator, author, and Christian Hip Hop pioneer. To learn more about Fred and what he’s up to now…click here or you can find him in all the socials by searching the handle: heyfredlynch📱Experience Proverbs Daily by Subscribing!Ready to receive daily wisdom directly on your phone?Go to proverbsdaily.org for the app  or just click that Subscribe button right now!Be Wise and Be Well...peace.Thanks for reading Proverbs Daily! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Hey Fred Lynch! at heyfredlynch.substack.com/subscribe