There are circumstances when it is easy to get provoked, for which reason Paul felt the need to counsel Timothy: “A slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, keeping himself restrained under evil ” ​ — yes, does not get provoked — ​“ instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed. ” ​ — 2 Timothy 2: 24, 25.
On olukordi, milles on kerge ärrituda, ja seetõttu tundis Paulus vajadust anda Timoteosele nõu: „Issanda sulane ärgu tülitsegu, vaid olgu lahke kõikide vastu, osav õpetama, valmis kannatama kurja [just nii, ta ärgu ärritugu], kes tasase meelega noomib vastupanijaid. ” — 2. Timoteosele 2: 24, 25.