Cool as the center seeds of a cucumber

“If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest.” Ecclesiastes 10:4

Cool as the center seeds of a cucumber means to remain calm, level headed, and self-composed during a difficult time. This alludes to the cool temperature on the inside of a cucumber regardless of its surroundings.

I would like to say I do a pretty good job of staying calm during a confrontation until I become frustrated and then I leave the room in a huff. When I’m not being heard or being ignored is when I have a hard time keeping my composure. I think we all have trigger points and for my husband it’s when he’s not being respected, especially by our children or grandchildren.

David was one of the most beloved men in the Bible yet he was flawed in so many ways. He was lustful, proud, arrogant, an adulterer, and a murderer yet God used him continuously to serve Him. I think the point being that if God can use a man as sinful as David, He can use any of us if we truly have a heart to serve Him. Proverbs 16:4a says, “The Lord works out everything for his own ends—”.

In 1 Samuel 25, we see what a hothead David was when he was disrespected and dismissed. He and his army had asked a man named Nabal for food and when he refused, David set out to kill him. But when Nabal’s wife Abigail heard of the calamity that was headed her way she decided to defuse the situation by taking food to David. She remained calm and was proactive rather than overreacting like David.

God wants us to be a peacemaker like Abigail, someone who keeps everyone as cool as a cucumber and will not escalate the problem. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” It’s not probable for us not to have conflicts however it is possible to avoid overreacting. With the help of the Holy Spirit we will have self control and patience rather than being antagonistic or confrontational.