An angry individual is an out of control person. They create havoc all around them. In James 1:19, one reads that "It is best to listen, speak little, and not become angry." It takes very little to upset us. We need to let anger become a controlled emotion. James says be slow to anger.
In the original language "angry" did not mean explosive anger. The anger that James is talking about does not express itself outwardly, but describes the anger that resides in the heart and builds into deep bitterness and a hostile resentment. This kind of anger expresses itself by grumbling to God or by complaining about others. It is more an attitude of resistance or rebellion in the heart. Some people don't lose their temper, they just keep it inside their heart as a spirit of rebellion and resentment. There are a lot of angry people in the world today. Kingdom people are to be different.
Here are some other Scriptures to consider when it comes to anger.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 The Message
Don't be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head.
Proverbs 16:32 NIV
Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
Proverbs 14:17 NIV
A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.
Proverbs 14:29 The Message
Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding; a quick-tempered person stockpiles stupidity.
No comments:
Post a Comment