It’s one of the most common human emotions, and sometimes there’s good reason for it. Yet, if uncontrolled, anger can be very damaging to your mental and spiritual well-being ... and even your physical health. Thankfully, God’s Word gives great guidance regarding this powerful emotion, whether you are on the giving or receiving end.
1) “An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression” (Proverbs 29:22). It’s so easy to make a mistake when your heart is filled with rage, to do or say things you will later regret.
2) “ ‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26, 27). Often, it takes time to cool down after your anger has peaked, but the Bible advises you to release your anger as soon as possible to keep from sinning.
3) “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back” (Proverbs 29:11). Restraint will benefit you much more than unleashing your feelings of anger.
4) “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). The next time someone comes at you with claws extended, try a gentle response.
5) “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32). One of your most potent weapons against anger is the attribute of patience.
6) “The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression” (Proverbs 19:11). It takes wisdom and strength from above to let the discourtesy and rudeness of others pass without retaliation.
7) “A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe behind the back, strong wrath” (Proverbs 21:14). If someone with whom you were angry gave you a nice gift, might it soften your heart?
8) “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth” (Psalm 37:8, 9). Even anger because of the temporary prosperity of the ungodly can have a negative effect on God’s people and should be avoided.
9) “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” (James 1:20). Here is the best reason for a follower of Christ to avoid anger.
10) “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth” (Colossians 3:8). Remember that every scriptural command is also a promise: God promises to give you the power to do what’s right!
God is ready and willing to help you conquer this potentially explosive emotion and defeat any unresolved anger in your life today!