"A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention." (Prov. 15:18)

I have heard that if a rattlesnake is cornered, it can become so frenzied that it will accidentally bite itself with its deadly fangs. In the same way, when a person harbors hatred and resentment in his heart, he is often hurt by the poison of his own malice. He thinks he is injuring his enemies by displaying his wrath, but the real harm is inflicted deep within his own soul.

"A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back." (Prov. 29:11) "A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger." (Prov. 15:1) "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver." (Prov. 25:11)