Anger


Introduction

Anger is a powerful emotion that, when sinful, leads to quarrels, harsh words, violence, and broken relationships. Yet not all anger is sin — Scripture recognises a righteous anger against injustice, idolatry, and sin itself (Mark 3:5; Ephesians 4:26). The challenge for us is to discern between godly zeal and sinful wrath.

Richard Baxter provides careful counsel: anger must be governed by reason and charity, never by pride or revenge. He warns against the destructive effects of uncontrolled passion and exhorts Christians to cultivate meekness, patience, and forgiveness as the cure.


Scripture Focus

  • “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19–20, KJV)


List of Relevant Scriptures

  • Proverbs 14:17 – He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly.
  • Proverbs 15:1 – A soft answer turneth away wrath.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:9 – Anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
  • Matthew 5:22 – Whoever is angry with his brother without cause is in danger of judgment.
  • Romans 12:19 – Avenge not yourselves; vengeance belongs to God.
  • Galatians 5:20 – Wrath is a work of the flesh.
  • Ephesians 4:26 – Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.
  • Colossians 3:8 – Put off anger, wrath, and malice.
  • 2 Timothy 2:24–25 – The servant of the Lord must not strive but be gentle.


Overview of the Biblical Teaching on This Issue

The Bible presents anger as dangerous when left unchecked. Sinful anger stems from pride, selfishness, and unbelief. It disrupts peace, grieves the Holy Spirit, and gives “place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27). Righteous anger, however, flows from love for God and others, opposing evil with holy zeal but without hatred.

God Himself is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Believers are called to imitate Him by putting away wrath and cultivating patience, gentleness, and a forgiving spirit. Anger is overcome by surrendering vengeance to God and by remembering Christ’s meekness, who “when he was reviled, reviled not again” (1 Peter 2:23).


Pastoral Guidance

Drawing from Baxter’s counsel:

  • Recognise anger’s danger: “Take heed of a proud and peevish disposition, which is still offended when you are crossed.”¹ Such passions poison relationships and dishonour Christ.
  • Distinguish between just cause and selfish irritation: Anger over sin or injustice may be lawful, but anger from wounded pride is sinful.
  • Restrain anger quickly: Baxter advises not to let anger linger; reconcile speedily, lest Satan gain ground.
  • Practise meekness and patience: “Nothing conduceth more to the peace of families and societies than meekness.”²
  • Use prayer as a release: Turn the heat of passion into prayer, asking God to calm the spirit and give wisdom.
  • Forgive freely: Remember how much God has forgiven you; let that soften your heart toward others.
  • Avoid occasions of quarrel: Baxter counsels avoiding needless contention, harsh speech, and company that stirs up wrath.


Further Reading

  • Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory, Part I, Ch. XIII (“Directions against Sinful Anger”).
  • Thomas Watson, The Godly Man’s Picture (section on meekness).
  • Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies against Satan’s Devices (on divisions caused by anger).
  • John Owen, Of the Mortification of Sin (putting passions to death).
  • Modern: Robert Jones, Uprooting Anger: Biblical Help for a Common Problem.


Footnotes

  1. Baxter, A Christian Directory, Part I, Ch. XIII.
  2. Ibid.