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What is Anger in the Bible? – Viral Believer
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What is Anger in the Bible?

Introduction

As Christians, we are called to live a life of love, peace, and kindness. However, we are also human beings, and sometimes we may experience emotions that are not in line with these virtues. Anger is one such emotion that can often arise in us, and it is important to understand what the Bible says about it.

In this blog post, we will explore the concept of anger in the Bible, what it means, how it can be both positive and negative, and how we can deal with it in a way that is pleasing to God.

anger in the Bible

What is Anger?

Anger is an emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. It can range from mild irritation to intense rage, and it is often a response to a perceived injustice or wrongdoing. In the Bible, anger is often associated with sin, and we are warned against allowing it to control us.

Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” This verse acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion, but it also warns against allowing it to fester and become sin. Instead, we are called to deal with our anger in a timely and appropriate manner.

Positive and Negative Anger

While anger is often associated with sin, there are instances in the Bible where anger is portrayed as a positive emotion. For example, in John 2:13-16, we read about Jesus driving out the money changers from the temple.

This was an act of righteous anger, as the temple had been turned into a marketplace and was no longer a place of worship.

Similarly, in Nehemiah 5:6-7, Nehemiah becomes angry when he learns that his fellow Jews are being oppressed and exploited by their own countrymen. He confronts the leaders and demands that they stop their unjust practices. This is another example of righteous anger that led to positive change.

On the other hand, there are many instances in the Bible where anger is portrayed as a negative emotion. Proverbs 14:29 says, “He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly.” This verse warns against allowing anger to control us and advises us to exercise self-control.

The Dangers of Anger

While there are examples of righteous anger in the Bible, it is important to remember that anger can also be a destructive emotion. James 1:19-20 says, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

This verse reminds us that our anger should never lead us to sin, and that our ultimate goal should always be to reflect the righteousness of God in our words and actions.

In addition, anger can lead to a host of negative consequences in our lives. Proverbs 15:18 says, “A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention.” This verse warns that anger can lead to conflict and division, and advises us to be slow to anger in order to promote peace and unity.

Finally, anger can also have negative physical and emotional effects on our health. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.”

This verse reminds us that our emotional state can have a profound impact on our physical health, and that it is important to guard our hearts against negative emotions such as anger.

Dealing with Anger

So how do we deal with anger in a way that is pleasing to God? First and foremost, we need to recognize that anger is a natural emotion, but it can easily become sin if we allow it to control us. We need to exercise self-control and deal with our anger in a timely and appropriate manner.

One way to deal with anger is to pray about it. Psalm 4:4 says, “Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.” This verse advises us to take our anger to God and meditate on it, rather than acting impulsively.

Prayer can help us gain perspective and wisdom, and it can also help us to release our anger in a healthy way.

Another way to deal with anger is to practice forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 says, “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

Forgiveness can help us to release our anger and to let go of any bitterness or resentment that we may be holding onto.

Furthermore, we can deal with anger by being slow to speak and quick to listen. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

This verse reminds us that our words can have a powerful impact, and that we should be careful to speak in a gentle and respectful manner, especially when we are angry.

Finally, we need to recognize that our ultimate goal as Christians is to love others. James 1:19-20 says, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

This verse reminds us that our anger should never lead us to sin, and that our ultimate goal should always be to reflect the righteousness of God in our words and actions.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

As we navigate our emotions as Christians, it is important to remember that we do not have to face them alone. The Holy Spirit is always with us, guiding and directing us in all areas of our lives.

Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

This verse reminds us that self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and that we can rely on the Spirit to help us deal with our anger in a way that is pleasing to God.

In addition, Romans 8:26 says, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

This verse reminds us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness, and that we can rely on His guidance and support as we navigate our emotions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, anger is a natural emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. However, as Christians, we are called to deal with our anger in a way that is pleasing to God. We should exercise self-control, pray about our anger, practice forgiveness, and ultimately strive to love others above all else.

While anger can be a negative emotion that leads to sin, there are also instances in the Bible where anger is portrayed as a positive emotion that leads to positive change. We should seek to emulate these examples of righteous anger, while always being mindful of the dangers of allowing our anger to control us.

As we navigate our emotions as Christians, let us remember the words of Ephesians 4:31-32, which says, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

May we always strive to put away our anger and to live a life of love and kindness, reflecting the love of Christ to all those around us.

In conclusion, it is important to understand that anger is an emotion that we all experience, and it can be both positive and negative. While anger can be a powerful motivator for change, it can also lead to sin and negative consequences in our lives.

As Christians, we are called to deal with our anger in a way that is pleasing to God. We should exercise self-control, pray about our anger, practice forgiveness, and ultimately strive to love others above all else.

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.