We must be learners in the school of Christ. We cannot imitate His example unless we are pleasing in disposition and condescending in deportment. True Christian politeness should be cultivated. No one else can lessen our influence as we ourselves can lessen it through the indulgence of uncontrollable temper. A naturally petulant man does not know true happiness, and is seldom content. He is ever hoping to get into a more favorable position, or to so change his surroundings that he will have peace and rest of mind. His life seems to be burdened with heavy crosses and trials, when, had he controlled his temper and bridled his tongue, many of these annoyances might have been avoided. It is the “soft answer” which “turneth away wrath.” Revenge has never conquered a foe. A well-regulated temper exerts a good influence on all around; but “he that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” {4T 367.2}

Vi må være elever i Kristi skole. Vi kan ikke efterligne hans eksempel, hvis vi ikke har en tiltalende natur og er nedladende over for andre. Sand kristen dannelse bør opelskes. Ingen andre kan mindske vor indflydelse end vi selv, ved at føje et ustyrligt temperament. Et menneske der af naturen er pirrelig kender ikke sand lykke og er sjældent tilfreds. Han håber altid at kunne komme i en bedre stilling, eller ændre sine omgivelser således at han vil få fred og hvile i sindet. Hans liv synes at være bebyrdet med tunge kors og prøvelser, skønt, havde han styret sit temperament og tøjlet sin tunge, kunne meget af dette besvær være undgået. Det er »mildt svar« som »stilner vrede.« Hævnen har aldrig (368) besejret en fjende. Et velafbalanceret gemyt udøver en god indflydelse på alle rundt omkring; men "han der ikke kan styre sig selv, er ligesom en nedbrudt by og uden mure."