An angry people live with strife and destruction; forgiveness is mightier than the sword. The elements of the pillar of virtue, forbearance, are forgiveness, patience, wisdom and peace. Not only does anger produce strife, it also acts foolishly. Freedom is best upheld by the patient, the wise and the forgiving. Vengeance and retaliation increase bondage and give place to destruction. Forgiveness disarms evil, strengthens peace and crowns freedom. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.” A son has more power than a slave; the angry man is his own tyrant. Saint James said that the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (Righteousness and virtue are synonymous.) Anger, rather, is a thief, stealing freedom and usurping the authority of freedom's Governor. Anger is more likely to engage sin and wickedness than bring about justice, liberty or virtue. Think about it.