Lesson 172: The Poisoned Well

Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas

“I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.” RELEE

"In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Ephesians 4:26

You were born with it and I am certain that you will die with it (maybe even from it). It is one of the primal instincts given unto us and we spend a life time trying to tame it. We drink from it daily but it never quenches our thirst. It is a poisoned well. The poison in the well is anger. General Lee possessed a ‘savage temper’ and spent all his life attempting to control it. His efforts paid off, as he is remembered as the Christian General, emulating the virtues of Christ to the best of his ability. Jackson was known to have a temper and was even challenged to duels in an effort to control the anger generated. The Bible says God is slow to anger. There are examples in the Bible where Jesus showed His anger. On one occasion he shouted, turned tables over and drove the money lenders from His Father’s temple. But Christ's anger was righteous anger and the purpose was to do right. Robert E. Lee once stated, “Hold yourself above every mean action. Be strictly honorable in every act, and be not ashamed to do right.” But then, there are those who easily anger you, and that comes with a price. Remember Moses? He became impatient with the people and struck the rock. He was banned by God from the promise land as a consequence of his outburst. God is an awesome God who will not tolerate a poisoned well.

The reason I call anger a poisoned well is from what my mother used to say. I remember having to draw water, by hand, from the old dug well right in back of our house. It was about 40’ deep with plenty of water. Mom would ‘shock’ the well with Clorox a couple times a year (spring/fall) in an effort to keep the poisons (mountain run off, underground coal mine water that might seep into the well, items accidently dropped inside the well-the well also served as a refrigerator), from entering our water and thus polluting the body. I recall getting upset over something minor and threw a ‘fit’. After my temper tantrum had subsided, I noted the look of disapproval on Mom’s face. Now, her discipline always started with how much I hurt her and escalated to the apex of me going to the willow tree and picking a switch that she would feel obliged to use. And she would always cry, sobbing, “This hurts me worse than it hurts you.” Never did understand that one! As I went for the switch, I always grabbed me an extra pair of britches hanging on the clothesline near the creek to insulate from her selected disciplinary tool. This always sustained me and I was able to put on a pretty good show so she would think she ‘got me good.’

Sure enough, the lecture began with, “You know son, you remind me of that old well. Every now and then, flood waters get into it, turning the water murky and I have to remove the poisoned water to make the well pure once more by shocking it.” She then shocked me and without further lecture, from behind her back she pulled out a green limber willow switch and striped my legs with her usual sincerity of tears. “I love you so; but, I will either have the pain of disciplining you or the pain of regret.” Again I wondered about her pain. Was it not me that was suffering (rightfully so) for my lack of control? I never fully understood until I became a parent.

No extra padding! I often think of that and feel blessed to have had a mother that cared enough to correct me and teach me how to control myself. I find it a lifelong process and realize I will fail on many occasions. I work with so many angry kids in my profession and I am always astonished that they cannot realize the answer is within their grasp. Once you have said those hurtful words, it is hard to forget even when you come to forgive. Some things in life are etched in our mind regarding someone who lost their temper and poisoned not only their well but yours. I remember my uncle, who was a good man, losing his temper and every Christmas I recall how scared I was. I recall his anger even now that I am his age. Recall the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis? It was the poisoned water of the soul, mixed together (anger, jealousy), that led to the first murder.

Let us be gentler with one another; slow to wrath and quick to forgive. Let us reflect that we are the models of Christ and though we may not be aware, there are those watching who will follow your example or distance themselves from you. Note that Proverbs 22:24 guides us, “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered,” and Proverbs 29:11, “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” We are the examples for our youth, our families, our loved ones and friends. As head of our house we must remember, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” (Colossians 3:21) We Must, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Ephesians 4:31

What is poisoning your well? Is it anger, jealousy, rage, greed, envy, laziness, hatred, arrogance, or other cardinal sins that can seep into the well so easily? How do you keep your well clean? Does it have to be ‘shocked’ or is it purified by the Living Water that quenches all thirst? Will you pray for a renewal of the water from the Father and be taught how to control the many faults we possess?

How are you handling your anger? The answer to the riddle is quite simple. Actually, you have it in your home. It is that dust-covered black book called the BIBLE. It will guide you in all things. And once you accept the peace that passeth all understanding, you are a new creation, and all things are made new, with a new outlook on life and a new life because of your outlook. Robert E. Lee gave us something to work towards in the following: “My chief concern is to try to be an humble, earnest Christian.” How does your testimony read? How does your well water taste? Will you not shock the poison from your spirit with the truth of God’s Living Water, which never needs to be ‘shocked’? I Remain Your Humbled Servant, The Old General