When it comes to anger, we sometimes let our “what-can-we-get-away-with” attitude show through a little. The most popular scripture dealing with anger is, “Be ye angry, and sin not” (Ephesians 4:26). Even though it is absolutely true that anger is not necessarily sin in itself, it is not something that can be used with impunity. Consider these:
1) It can put our soul in danger. “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matthew 5:22). Everyone thinks he has a cause. Be careful.
2) It never works the righteousness of God. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:19, 20).
3) A wise man is slow to anger (Pro 16:32). Are you wise?
There are many other scriptures on being slow to anger:
Neh. 9:17; Psa. 103:8; Psa. 145:8; Pro. 15:18; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Nah. 1:3
4) It is a glory to pass over a transgression (Pro. 19:11). Is that how you feel about overlooking things done against you? (Remember our lessons about forgiving others.)
5) He that rules his spirit better than man who takes a city (Pro. 16:32: Pro. 25:28). How strong are you? If you cannot control your own spirit, you need to seek help?
6) Just because anger is not a sin does not mean it is OK. God says to put off anger. “ Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice” (Eph. 4:31). “But now ye also put off all these: anger, . . .” (Col. 3:8).