ANGER (Love Returned Series)

Loving God With All Of Our Minds

What is Anger?

Anger is a powerful emotion that can arise when we feel wronged, hurt, or threatened. In the Bible, it is depicted as a reaction that can lead to both righteous indignation and sinful behavior. The Book of Proverbs offers profound wisdom on understanding, handling, and overcoming anger.

What Actions Lead to Anger?

Proverbs identifies several actions and attitudes that can provoke anger:

Reckless Behavior: "A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless" (Proverbs 14:16). Acting without thought or caution can lead to situations that provoke anger.

Short Temper: "A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated" (Proverbs 14:17). Quick tempers often result in foolish actions that escalate conflicts.

What Actions Allay Anger?

Proverbs also provides practical advice on calming and preventing anger:

Stay Calm: "Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult" (Proverbs 12:16). Remaining calm and not reacting immediately to provocation helps to defuse anger.

Be Cautious and Avoid Danger: "The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure" (Proverbs 14:16). Wisdom and caution help avoid situations that could lead to anger.

Have Understanding: "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly" (Proverbs 14:29). Patience and understanding are key to managing anger.

Use a Gentle Answer: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). Gentle responses can de-escalate potentially volatile situations.

Be Sensible: "A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense" (Proverbs 19:11). Sensibility and patience help in overlooking minor offenses.

What Are the Fruits of Anger?

The consequences of unchecked anger can be severe:

Foolish Behavior: "Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult" (Proverbs 12:16b).

Quick-Tempered: "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly" (Proverbs 14:29).

Fighting: "A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel" (Proverbs 15:18).

Ruined Lives: "A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord" (Proverbs 19:3).

Punishment: "A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again" (Proverbs 19:19).

Quarrelsome and Complaining: "Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife" (Proverbs 21:19).

Calamity: "Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken" (Proverbs 22:8).

Lack of Self-Control: "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control" (Proverbs 25:28).

Cruelty and Jealousy: "Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?" (Proverbs 27:4).

Conflict and Strife: "An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins" (Proverbs 29:22).

Murderous Intent: "The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright" (Proverbs 29:10).

Handling Anger and Helping the Angry

Dealing with anger, both in ourselves and others, requires a combination of wisdom, patience, and practical strategies:

Gentle Answers: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). Responding gently can prevent escalation.

Cool Temperament: "A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel" (Proverbs 15:18). Patience and a cool demeanor can stop conflicts before they start.

Overlook Wrongs: "A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense" (Proverbs 19:11). Sometimes, ignoring minor offenses is the wisest course.

Limit Rescue Efforts: "A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again" (Proverbs 19:19). Constantly rescuing someone from the consequences of their anger doesn't help them learn or grow.

Give Gifts: "A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath" (Proverbs 21:14). Thoughtful gestures can help calm tensions.

Avoid Making Friends with the Angry: "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared" (Proverbs 22:24-25). Associating closely with angry individuals can lead to adopting their behavior.

Conclusion

The wisdom of Proverbs teaches us that while anger is a natural emotion, it must be managed with wisdom and patience. By staying calm, using gentle words, and understanding the roots and consequences of anger, we can navigate conflicts and help ourselves and others grow in godly character. Let us strive to apply these biblical principles, seeking peace and understanding in all our interactions.

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Praise Tabernacle

Dr. Joshua Kennedy, Pastor

2235 Ocean Heights

Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

pastorjosh@praisetabernacle.com

praisetabernacle.church

(609) 927-4560(w), (609) 402-8869(c)