Anger in Our Lives

Christian Living

Anger in Our Lives

Introduction

The book of Proverbs can be seen as a wise father sitting down with his child to give instruction on how to live a good life. Solomon’s words are full of good doctrine and practical lessons. Among the topics he addresses often is the subject of anger—one of the strongest emotions we experience. God gave us the capacity for anger, but like all emotions, it must be handled in a way that pleases Him. This lesson will examine what the Bible says about anger, its dangers, its proper use, and how we should respond to it in others.

Is All Anger Wrong?

The Bible shows that anger in itself is not always sinful. Psalm 7:11 says, “God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day.” Jonah 4 describes God as slow to anger. Jesus Himself became angry at sin, hypocrisy, and the misuse of the temple. In Matthew 5:22, Jesus warns not to be angry “without a cause.” Proverbs 14:29 and 16:32 praise those who are slow to anger, showing that controlled, righteous anger is a sign of wisdom.

Anger Can Be Destructive

While anger is a neutral emotion, it often leads to destructive outcomes. Proverbs 14:17 says a quick-tempered man acts foolishly. Proverbs 15:18 warns that a wrathful person stirs up strife, while one who is slow to anger calms contention. Proverbs 27:3–4 describes wrath as heavy and cruel, likening it to a torrent that can quickly overwhelm. Proverbs 19:19 warns that a man of great wrath will suffer punishment, and rescuing him will only lead to repeated trouble because uncontrolled anger becomes habitual.

Anger Often Leads to Other Sins

Proverbs 29:22 links uncontrolled anger with strife and abounding in transgression. Paul affirms in Ephesians 4:26, “Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” Anger must have a righteous cause and be kept under control to avoid sin. Scripture gives examples of wrong motives for anger, such as envy and jealousy (Luke 15 – elder brother) or resentment over God’s mercy (Jonah 4). On the other hand, righteous anger reflects God’s own anger against wickedness—sins like abortion, sexual immorality, and hypocrisy should grieve and anger us. Yet our response must never involve sinful actions.

Dealing with Angry People

Proverbs 22:24–25 instructs not to befriend an angry or furious person lest we learn their ways and fall into a snare. First Corinthians 15:33 warns that evil company corrupts good habits. Proverbs 15:1 teaches that a soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger. Wisdom uses words to calm rather than inflame. We must avoid close association with those who are habitually angry and respond with gentle speech to diffuse tension.

Conclusion and Invitation

Anger is an emotion given by God and can be used for righteous purposes, but it is also one of the most dangerous emotions when uncontrolled. Solomon’s wisdom shows that the key is to be slow to anger, ensure it is for a righteous cause, and never let it lead to sin. If anger has led you to sin, remember we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous. Through repentance and obedience to the gospel—hearing the Word (Romans 10:17), believing in Christ (John 8:24), repenting (Acts 17:30), confessing Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9–10), and being baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38)—your sins can be washed away and you can begin a new life in Him.

Sermon Outline – Anger in Our Lives

• I. Introduction – Proverbs as a father’s instruction; focus on anger.

• II. Is All Anger Wrong? – Psalm 7:11; Jonah 4; Jesus’ anger; Matthew 5:22; Proverbs 14:29; 16:32.

• III. Anger Can Be Destructive – Proverbs 14:17; 15:18; 27:3–4; 19:19.

• IV. Anger Often Leads to Sin – Proverbs 29:22; Ephesians 4:26; Luke 15; Jonah 4; righteous anger at sin.

• V. Dealing with Angry People – Proverbs 22:24–25; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 15:1.

• VI. Conclusion – Control anger, seek forgiveness, obey the gospel.

Call to Action

Examine your heart and motives when anger arises. Be slow to anger, align it with God’s will, and refuse to let it control you. If your anger has led you into sin, turn to Christ for forgiveness and commit to living by His Word.

Key Takeaways

• Anger is a God-given emotion but must be controlled (Psalm 7:11; Proverbs 14:29).

• Uncontrolled anger leads to destruction and strife (Proverbs 15:18; 27:3–4).

• Anger often results in sin when misused (Proverbs 29:22; Ephesians 4:26).

• Righteous anger opposes sin as God does (Mark 3:5; John 2:13–17).

• Avoid close ties with habitually angry people (Proverbs 22:24–25).

• Gentle words can calm tense situations (Proverbs 15:1).

Scripture Reference List

• Psalm 7:11 – God’s anger at wickedness

• Jonah 4 – God’s patience and Jonah’s anger

• Matthew 5:22 – Warning against anger without cause

• Proverbs 14:29; 16:32 – Slow to anger shows wisdom

• Proverbs 14:17; 15:18; 27:3–4; 19:19 – Dangers of uncontrolled anger

• Proverbs 29:22 – Anger leads to transgression

• Ephesians 4:26 – Be angry and do not sin

• Luke 15 – Elder brother’s jealousy

• Proverbs 22:24–25 – Avoid angry companions

• Proverbs 15:1 – Soft answer turns away wrath

• Romans 10:17; John 8:24; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:9–10; Acts 2:38 – Gospel plan of salvation

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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