the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
Click here to learn more!
Bible Dictionaries
Anger
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary
or Sudden outbursts of temper are one fruit of sinful human nature. The Bible therefore repeatedly pictures the evils of such behaviour and warns God’s people to avoid it (Genesis 49:6-7; Psalms 37:8; Galatians 5:19-20; Ephesians 4:31-32; Colossians 3:8). Uncontrolled anger can have far-reaching consequences, producing violence and even murder (Matthew 5:21-22; Luke 4:28-29; Acts 7:54; Acts 7:57-58; Acts 21:27-36). It is important that a person in a position of responsibility in the church not be quick tempered (Titus 1:7).
Yet there may be cases where it is right to be angry. Those who are faithful to God should be angry at all forms of sin, whether that sin be rebellion against God or wrongdoing against other people (Exodus 16:20; Exodus 32:19; 2 Samuel 12:5; Nehemiah 5:6-7; Matthew 18:32-34). But because human nature is affected by sin, people find it difficult to be angry and at the same time not go beyond the limits that God allows (Psalms 4:4; Psalms 106:32-33; Ephesians 4:26).
Certainly it is wrong for people to be so angry that they try to take personal revenge. God’s people must be forgiving, and leave God to deal with those who do them wrong (Leviticus 19:18; Romans 12:19-21; see HATRED; REVENGE). If, in resisting wrongdoing, they are guilty of bad temper, they should not try to excuse their behaviour by claiming they are carrying out God’s righteous purposes (James 1:19-20). God’s anger is always pure, always just, always righteous (Exodus 34:6-7; Romans 2:4-6; see WRATH).
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Fleming, Don. Entry for 'Anger'. Bridgeway Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/bbd/a/anger.html. 2004.
