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An Overview of the Types of Anger Found in the Bible – Viral Believer
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An Overview of the Types of Anger Found in the Bible

Introduction

You probably hear the word “anger” and think of a volcanic eruption, an uncontrolled outburst that can cause serious damage. Anger is often viewed in this way as a destructive emotion that must be avoided at all costs.

What if I told you that anger is not always bad? Anger can be a powerful force for good when it is used correctly.

The Bible is filled with examples of anger being used in positive ways. In this article, we will explore the different types of anger found in the Bible and see how they can be applied to our lives today.

Types of Anger in the Bible

What Is Anger According to the Bible?

Anger is defined in the Bible as a strong feeling of displeasure and hostility. It’s an emotional response that can range from mild irritation to full-blown rage. In some cases, it can help motivate us to take action. But it often gets in the way of our relationships and causes us to act impulsively.

The Bible speaks to various anger issues, such as uncontrolled anger, justified anger, and vengeful anger. Each type of anger is destructive and can lead to many problems. If you’re struggling with anger issues, getting acquainted with these different types and seeing which ones might apply to you is important.

Different Types of Anger in the Bible

When we think of anger, we usually think of one specific emotion: rage. But the Bible discusses different types of anger, and we must understand them all.

There’s righteous anger, which comes from a place of justice and love. God often displays this type of anger in the Bible, and it’s meant to motivate us to stand up for what’s right.

Then there’s destructive anger, driven by bitterness, jealousy, and self-righteousness. This type of anger destroys relationships and creates division.

And finally, there’s passive-aggressive anger, expressed through indirect behaviors like sarcasm and resentment. This type of anger is often motivated by fear and insecurity.

Characteristics of Righteous Anger

When anger is used correctly, it can be a powerful tool. It’s righteous anger, one born from a desire to see justice done. This anger is usually directed toward an evil force, and feelings of hatred and contempt accompany it.

This anger drives us to stand up against injustice and speak out against oppression. It compels us to do something about the wrongs we see in the world. And it can be a powerful force for good.

The Dangers of Unrighteous Anger

The Bible is clear that unrighteous anger can be destructive and should be avoided. Unrighteous anger is an emotion that comes from sinful thoughts or actions. It can often lead to rash decisions, hurtful words and actions, and negative consequences.

The Bible warns us about the dangers of unrighteous anger and encourages us to stay away from it.

One example of this is found in Proverbs 29:22, which says, “A man of wrath stirreth up strife: and a furious man aboundeth in transgression”.

This verse speaks to the fact that when we are angry, we often become so focused on our own emotions that we fail to consider the feelings or rights of others. We may want justice for ourselves, but our anger can lead us to do unjust things or harm others.

Another warning about unrighteous anger can be found in Ephesians 4:26-27 which states, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither gives place to the devil”. This verse reminds us that unrighteous anger can open a doorway for evil spirits to enter our lives, leading to further destruction.

Examples of Unrighteous Anger in the Bible

In the Bible, we can find various instances of unrighteous anger. For example, in the story of Cain and Abel, Cain’s jealousy and envy of his brother make him angry and ultimately commit murder. We can also see examples of unrighteous anger in Saul’s rejection of God’s commands and his attempt to kill David.

In cases like these, unrighteous anger leads to destructive outcomes, like death or severe physical injury. The Bible makes it clear that these are not acceptable forms of expression—anger should be managed in a righteous way, guided by love and compassion rather than hate and aggression.

How to Manage and End Our Own Unrighteous Anger

Managing and ending our unrighteous anger can be difficult. It is important to recognize that we do not have power over our own emotions—we cannot simply make ourselves stop being angry—but we can take steps to acknowledge, understand, and express our anger better.

First and foremost, it is necessary to acknowledge why we are feeling angry in the first place. We must identify the main source of our anger, then figure out how to address it constructively instead of a destructive one.

We must also understand that anger can be both a good and bad; it all depends on how it is expressed and how we channel it.

Once we have identified the source of our anger, it is essential to practice self-care; this includes finding healthy coping mechanisms such as relaxation techniques, exercise, or talking through things with another person.

It is also important to remember that even though our initial response might be to lash out in retaliation or wrathful rage, we must strive to practice patience and kindness instead.

Conclusion

While it’s clear that the Bible doesn’t condone unrighteous anger in any form, it’s also evident that different types of anger are mentioned throughout its pages. In general, though, the Bible seems to advise that we should avoid anger altogether since it often leads to sin.

That said, God can use anger for His purposes, and there are times when anger is justified. It’s important to recognize the different types of anger so that we can deal with them healthily, and always remember that we should strive to be angry in a way that is honoring to God.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.