Temperament

A person's disposition, especially as shown in mental or emotional responses. God's people should be of an even temperament.

God's people should be of even temperament

Proverbs 16:32 See also Titus 2:1–14

He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

Even temperament is a requirement for church leadership

1 Timothy 3:2–3 See also 1 Timothy 3:8–9, 1 Timothy 3:11; Titus 1:7–9

An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.

Examples of people who had an unpleasant temperament

Saul

1 Samuel 16:23 Violent mood swings and bad temper were signs of mental instability in Saul. See also 1 Samuel 16:14–16, 1 Samuel 18:6–15, 1 Samuel 20:4–7, 1 Samuel 20:24–33

And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play. Then Saul would find relief and feel better, and the spirit of distress would depart from him.

Nabal the Carmelite

1 Samuel 25:17 See also 1 Samuel 25:2–11, 1 Samuel 25:36–38

Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!”