An even-tempered individual is characterized by a calm, balanced, and stable disposition, especially in the face of provocation or stress. This quality is highly valued in the Bible, as it reflects self-control, wisdom, and a spirit aligned with God's teachings.

Biblical References and Principles

1. Proverbs 16:32 · "He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city." This verse highlights the superiority of self-control over physical might. An even-tempered person exercises restraint and patience, virtues that are esteemed above even the most impressive feats of strength.

2. James 1:19-20 · "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." Here, James emphasizes the importance of being measured and thoughtful in our reactions. An even-tempered nature aligns with the righteousness that God seeks in His followers.

3. Ecclesiastes 7:9 · "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of fools." This passage warns against the folly of quick-temperedness. An even-tempered person avoids the pitfalls of rash anger, which can lead to foolish decisions and actions.

4. Galatians 5:22-23 · "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control, a key component of being even-tempered. This quality is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life.

5. Proverbs 15:18 · "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms a dispute." An even-tempered person acts as a peacemaker, diffusing tension and promoting harmony. This aligns with the biblical call to be peacemakers, as seen in Matthew 5:9.

Character Studies

· Moses: While Moses is known for his leadership and faith, he also struggled with his temper, as seen when he struck the rock in anger (Numbers 20:10-12). This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining an even temper, even for those in positions of spiritual leadership.

· Jesus Christ: Jesus exemplified an even-tempered nature throughout His ministry. Despite facing constant opposition and provocation, He remained composed and responded with wisdom and grace. His reaction to the Pharisees and His calm demeanor during His trial are prime examples of His self-control and patience.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to cultivate an even-tempered nature through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. By doing so, they can better reflect Christ's character, maintain healthy relationships, and effectively witness to others. The pursuit of an even-tempered disposition is a lifelong journey that requires intentionality and dependence on God's grace.

The Twenty-Fifth Chapter: Zeal in Amending Our Lives
... to meet and conquer, but a diligent and sincere man will make greater progress even
though he have more passions than one who is more even-tempered but less ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the twenty-fifth chapter zeal in.htm

I have Now Come to the Most Difficult Part of My Story. ...
... In describing it, Durante says that the ground everywhere smelt sweetly, and that
a gentle, even-tempered wind, which never blew faster or slower, breathed in ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 10 i have now.htm

The Travelers
... But there was an even-tempered cynicism and sophistication in the half-droop of
his level lids, indifference, hauteur and self-reliance in the uplift of his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter iv the travelers.htm

The Religious Revolution
... He was a man of imposing appearance, gifted with a clear and pleasing voice and
good memory, even tempered and ready, quick to detect the weak points of his ...
/.../chapter ii the religious revolution.htm

Even-tempered (1 Occurrence)
Even-tempered. Event, Even-tempered. Eventful . Multi-Version
Concordance Even-tempered (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 17:27 ...
/e/even-tempered.htm - 6k

Event (14 Occurrences)

/e/event.htm - 11k

Tempered (7 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Proverbs 17:27 He who spares his words has knowledge. He
who is eventempered is a man of understanding. (WEB NIV). ...
/t/tempered.htm - 8k

Eventful (1 Occurrence)

/e/eventful.htm - 6k

Spares (4 Occurrences)
... (WEB RSV NIV). Proverbs 17:27 He who spares his words has knowledge. He who
is eventempered is a man of understanding. (WEB). Isaiah ...
/s/spares.htm - 7k

Temper (14 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Proverbs 17:27 He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even
tempered is a man of understanding. (Root in WEB YLT NIV). ...
/t/temper.htm - 13k

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