ANGER
Anger holds a unique place among human vices, distinct in its manifestation and impact. The Bible anthropomorphically describes God displaying anger, expressing divine displeasure against evil.
But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. “LORD,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? ( Exodus 32:11 )
Etymology:
In Hebrew, several words are used to convey the concept of wrath, often associated with expressions of intense emotion or strong displeasure. One of the meanings is “breathing out,” which indicates that anger is visibly expressed or shown outwardly.
אַ ף ( af ) :
This word, meaning “nose” or “anger,” is commonly used in the Old Testament to denote wrath or fury. It’s often associated with God’s righteous indignation in response to human sin or disobedience. When Moses expresses his reluctance to speak to Pharaoh, he shows anger or irritation.
“Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses.” ( Exodus 4:14 )
Similarly, after witnessing the Israelites’ worship of the golden calf, Moses’ wrath burns hot, reflecting his intense displeasure at their actions.
When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. ( Exodus 32:19
חָ רָ ה ( charah ) :
This word conveys the idea of burning anger or wrath. It’s used to describe both human and divine wrath in various contexts. Jacob got wrath at Rachel for not being able to have children, blaming her for something she couldn’t control and questioning why he should be held responsible for it.
Jacob became angry with her and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?”
( Genesis 30:2 )Similarly, the psalmist pleads for God’s mercy in the face of divine wrath: “O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger.”
( Psalm 6:1)
כַעַ ס ( ka’as ):
This word signifies vexation, indignation, or provocation. It often describes a state of being provoked to anger. it’s used to describe Esau’s frustration and resentment towards his brother Jacob: “Because I am angry with you.”
Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” ( Genesis 25:41 )
Its synonyms are wrath, fury, and rag
BIBLICAL INSIGHTS
Moreover, a notable aspect of wrath is its capacity to obscure the perception of those experiencing it. While sin generally clouds our judgment, wrath stands out for its ability to blind individuals to their fury. This lack of self-awareness is a hallmark of anger, as it often leads people to feel increasingly justified in their indignation, disregarding the perspectives of others. Moses intervenes on behalf of the Israelites, entreating God to refrain from unleashing His intense displeasure upon them. This instance highlights God’s potential for wrath in response to human disobedience, emphasizing the significance of comprehending divine judgment in biblical contexts.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. ( Psalm 37:8 )
But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. “LORD,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? ( Exodus 32:11 )
The psalmist advises, “Refrain from fury and abandon wrath; do not fret—it only leads to harm.” This excerpt underscores the negative consequences of unbridled wrath, warning against its destructive outcomes.
From the Hebrew scripture
The Hebrew understanding of Jehovah’s wrath indeed often depicted it as fierce and terrible, yet just and opposed to evil. Obedience to God’s commands was believed to be the means to appease His wrath and receive His favour. This foundational passage describes Jehovah as “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth.” However, it also emphasizes that He “will by no means clear the guilty,” indicating His righteous response to sin and disobedience.
And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” ( Exodus 34: 6-7 )
Moses recounts Israel’s history of rebellion, emphasizing Jehovah’s indignation and verdict regarding their idolatry and disobedience. Despite His mercy and steadfast covenant, Jehovah’s fury is aroused by continual sin.
Remember this and never forget how you aroused the anger of the LORD your God in the wilderness. From the day you left Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the LORD. 8 At Horeb you aroused the LORD’s wrath so that he was angry enough to destroy you. ( Deuteronomy 9: 7-8 )
The Psalmist declares, “God is a righteous judge and a God who feels indignation every day.” This verse underscores Jehovah’s opposition to evil and His commitment to justice, which often manifests as wrath against wrongdoing.
God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day. ( Psalm 7:11 )
The prophet Nahum describes Jehovah as “jealous, and avenging” and “wrathful.” His wrath is depicted as a response to the oppression and wickedness of nations, demonstrating His commitment to justice and deliverance for the oppressed
The LORD is a jealous and avenging God;
the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.
The LORD takes vengeance on his foes
and vents his wrath against his enemies.
The LORD is slow to anger but great in power;
the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
and clouds are the dust of his feet.
( Nahum 1: 2-3 )
From the New Testament
There are instances where righteous anger toward injustice is depicted as justified and even necessary. Jesus expresses wrath and grief at the hardness of the heart displayed by the Pharisees, who prioritize legalistic interpretations over compassion. It demonstrates that there are situations where anger toward injustice is warranted, particularly when it involves a lack of empathy or compassion.
He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. ( Mark 3:5 )
When Jesus discusses God’s favour expanding beyond the Jewish community, the synagogue attendees become enraged with Him. This illustrates how wrath can emerge in reaction to challenging or provocative concepts, even when they hold truth, exposing the conflict between entrenched beliefs and the invitation to adopt inclusivity and fairness.
All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. ( Luke 4:28 )
He juxtaposes faith and scepticism in Jesus, asserting that those who refuse to heed the Son will encounter God’s fury. This implies that rejecting the truth carries repercussions, potentially arousing justified indignation, particularly when observing ongoing disbelief or defiance.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life,
for God’s wrath remains on them. ( John 3:36 )
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their inconsistency in observing the law, emphasising their tendency to prioritise legalism over compassion. This underscores Jesus’ righteous indignation toward hypocrisy and injustice within religious institutions.
Now if a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing a man’s whole body on the Sabbath? ( John 7:23 )
THE CONSEQUENCES
- Wrath, if left unchecked, can lead to various negative consequences, both in personal relationships and spiritual well-being. It can escalate conflicts and lead to sinful actions, damaging relationships and causing harm.
“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.” ( Proverbs 29:22 )
- It is depicted as a characteristic of foolishness, suggesting that those who are quick to anger lack wisdom and discernment.
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” ( Ecclesiastes 7:9 )
- Jesus warns against harbouring anger in one’s heart, emphasizing that unresolved anger can lead to judgment and spiritual consequences.
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. ( Matthew 5:22 )
- It can fuel conflicts and strife, while patience and self-control can help de-escalate situations and promote peace.
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” ( Proverbs 15:18)
It can lead to conflict, sin, and judgment, and provide opportunities for spiritual attack. Therefore, the Scriptures encourage believers to exercise patience, self-control, and forgiveness in managing their anger.
BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Examples of Downfalls
Cain
Cain’s anger towards his brother Abel led him to commit the first murder in human history. His jealousy and anger towards Abel’s favour with God ultimately resulted in his downfall. ( Genesis 4 )
Moses
Though Moses was a great leader chosen by God, Moses’ anger led him to disobey God’s command when he struck the rock in frustration instead of speaking to it as instructed. As a consequence, he was forbidden from entering the Promised Land.
He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. 12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” ( Numbers 20: 10-12 )
Conquering Wrath:
Jesus
Jesus exemplified perfect control over His emotions, including anger. Although He expressed righteous anger in the temple, overturning the tables of the moneychangers.
Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’[a] but you are making it ‘a den of robbers ( Matthew 21: 12-13 ),
However, even in the face of betrayal by Judah, Jesus demonstrated love and forgiveness, praying for his persecutors and ultimately sacrificing himself for the redemption of humanity.
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. ( Matthew 26: 47-50 )
Jesus consistently displayed patience, compassion, and forgiveness towards those who wronged Him, even praying for His enemies as He hung on the cross.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. ( Luke 23:34 ).
Jesus
Despite being betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph overcame his anger and resentment. Instead of seeking revenge, he forgave his brothers and ultimately saved them and their families from famine. ( Genesis 45: 1-15 ).
David
While David was known for his passionate nature, he also demonstrated the ability to control his anger. When King Saul pursued him relentlessly, David had multiple opportunities to kill Saul in retaliation, but he chose to spare his life out of respect for God’s anointed king.
( 1 Samuel 24: 1-22 ).
GRACEFUL OVERCOMING
By following the principles of the bible one can overcome anger and be blessed by Almighty God’s grace.
Mastering Emotional Control :
Emphasising the importance of not letting anger control reactions.
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” ( Proverbs 14:29 )
Forgive others:
Embracing forgiveness liberates you from the grip resentment maintains over your heart.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” ( Ephesians 4: 31-32 )
Practice patience:
Practising patience allows us to respond to situations calmly and with wisdom. It means resisting the urge to lash out or seek revenge. And, it involves maintaining a calm demeanour and seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts. Patience allows individuals to control their emotions, preventing anger from escalating into harmful words or actions.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ( Galatians 5: 22-23 )
Seek reconciliation:
By resolving conflicts and seeking peace with others.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” ( Matthew 5: 23-24 )
Let go of grudges:
Harboring grudges merely stokes wrath and animosity, whereas forgiveness liberates you from its grasp.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” ( Colossians 3:13 )
Control your tongue:
Remaining conscious of the words uttered can deter needless strife and escalation of fury.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” ( Proverbs 15:1 )
Trust in God’s sovereignty:
Having faith that God is in charge can ease sensations of wrath and bitterness.
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” ( Romans 12:19 )
For believers, these narratives serve as reminders to temper their emotions and respond with patience, humility, and compassion, even in the face of adversity or provocation. Biblical teachings consistently advocate for the virtues of forgiveness, understanding, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” This verse underscores the value of patience and wisdom in managing anger. ( Proverbs 14:29 )
Ultimately, the message to believers is clear: while experiencing anger is a natural human emotion, it is essential to harness it constructively and align one’s actions with the principles of righteousness and love as exemplified in the teachings of the Bible