Temperament Lowdown

The Choleric is the take charge type
Details, small obstacles, what's all the hype?
Let's get the job done, let's make a change
The big picture is obvious, no facts to arrange
The coldness of his words can cut like a knife
If he tempers his anger he'll avoid strife
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
The bigger the goal, the longer his day
The more the adversity, the harder he'll try
The eternal optimist, no need to cry

The Sanguine is filled with high energy
Finding true happiness is the key
Selling anything with irresistible charm
So no one runs from him in alarm
Organization isn't worth the headache
Where's the party, no plans to make
There's an unstable rage seething deep inside
Harmful words will cause a dramatic turn of tide
Your words will harm, but forget them he will
Easy to forgive, don't fret, just chill

The Melancholy has the artist's touch
Let's analyze the details, is it too much?
Seeing the darkness as well as the light
Finding gray in between is the heart of the fight
Constructive criticism is the name of the game
Using facts that convince, no harm, no shame
The curiosity of what makes the world turn
Reflects desire for perfection always to burn
There's always more to learn and soak in
In a game of intellect, this temperament will win

The Phlegmatic is patient and in no hurry
Take the time to live in peace, don't scurry
There needs to be a solution, where did I go?
I'll find one if pushed, don't tell me no
I'm as stubborn as they come, that you will see
I don't voice my opinion, just do it, that's me
I worry about things that I should not
Sarcastic humor in jest is the defense I've got
Let's do things later, I've got the time
I work best under pressure, give me a deadline

When stress beats on each of their doors
Either fear indwells or anger pours
The Phlegmatic and Melancholy will run
When trouble sets in they steer away from fun
The Melancholy analyzes everything within
Stirring the anguish again and again
The Phlegmatic will go deeper into his shell
I'd rather not anyone share in my hell
Now we have seen what the introverts do
Let's take a look at the extroverts too

Anger pours as a result of life's stressors
The Choleric and Sanguine succumb to pressures
The Choleric is in control, that is his lot
When his integrity is checked, a war is fought
He can't stand when people deny their own worth
He knows he's valuable, and has been since birth
The Sanguine's heart is beautiful in rest
But it will turn on a dime when put to the test
He soaks in his surroundings, for better or worse
If anxiety is high, his rage he won't nurse

Selfishness abides where the weaknesses lie
Each temperament faces different knots to untie
The Choleric needs no one, he's fine on his own
If he stumbles and falls, he'll do it alone
The Sanguine knows everyone loves him so
He'll go on and on, his life story you'll know
The Melancholy delves deep in his own mind,
So far indeed that no hope does he find
The Phlegmatic goes it alone when times are tough,
Giving nothing to no one, I haven't got enough

Depression haunts and robs our souls blind
You may dig into it deeper, or a better path find
The Choleric looks only to the positive things
Negativity breeds depression, not leaders or kings
The Sanguine is down when things look bleak
When the excitement picks up he's back at his peak
The Melancholy dwells inside himself day and night
Against deep, dark depression he can't often fight
The Plegmatic can feel worthless, lost and alone
I seek out things to find the funniest thing known

Away from negative things, now I will fly
The Holy Spirit takes over in the blink of an eye
The Choleric is now the caring and loving boss
His vision includes others, no victims, no loss
The Sanguine is full of love for all others
Not high on himself, but his sisters and brothers
The Melancholy finds peace within himself and out
He conquers self-pity, no more sitting to pout
The Phlegmatic doesn't worry about much any longer
In God's great power, my faith is made stronger

God has a purpose for each strength and weakness
Examples in the Bible range from rage to meekness
As a Choleric untouched by God, Saul was violent
As Paul he led many to Christ, becoming not silent
Peter the Sanguine denied Jesus, yet loved Him so
His passionate words let the Holy Spirit flow
Moses the Melancholy wrote the first five books
But He didn't understand why to him God looked
Father Abraham the Phlegmatic feared God a ton
Denying himself, willing to sacrifice his son

Now that you know who I am and who you are
Let's complicate the issue, but not go far
Each person has two temperaments out of the four
There might be room for a tiny bit of one more
When I get angry and my patience is in tow,
I realize the Choleric in me has stolen the show
Mixtures of temperaments balance you out
God created a unique view of your world, no doubt
If this information leaves you confused
Ask friends what you are and you'll be amused






Inspired by Dr. LaHaye's book, The Spirit-Controlled Temperament

I discuss the temperaments more in-depth in my web blog, which will be updated as I find the time to give it the focus this topic deserves. 18 entries and growing!

Unravelling My Thoughts  (ASR) Are temperament and Mental Health at all related? A positive, spiritual view of self. #949483 by Beth Barnett

Curious about your temperament?

Temperament Test  (E) Find out which temperament describes you best. #1145443 by Beth Barnett