“The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.” Proverbs 16:14

This verse presents a very important experience in life. How should we respond when we have angered someone else? Solomon says that the wise person will pacify, or bring a peaceful end, to the wrath. There are many ways that we breach fellowship with others, but let’s focus on one – guilt. Even the wise sin, and sometimes sin grievously. But only the wise learn to truly bring an end to the breach when sin has brought true guilt. To get a full picture, we must first acknowledge what will not bring an end to wrath:

• Minimizing the sin and focusing on “moving on.”
• Defending, or explaining away the sin.
• Comparing the size of the sin with the size of the sin of others.
• Refusing to acknowledge the sin.
• Sorrow and regret focused only on your own loss.
  
  

In Psalm 51, David shows how the wise man appeases wrath. He: