Righteous Anger vs Unchecked Temper in Christian Living
Righteous Anger in Christian Living
The concept of righteous anger is rooted in biblical teachings, where anger is not inherently sinful but can become so when it is causeless, excessive, or protracted [2]. The Bible acknowledges that anger can be a natural response to evil or wrongdoing, and it is possible to be angry without sinning (Eph 4:26) [8].
In the Christian tradition, anger is considered a complex emotion that can be both righteous and unrighteous. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, anger is listed among the works of the flesh alongside malice and strife, indicating its potential to lead to sinful behavior [1, 6]. However, the same source also notes that anger can be a righteous response when directed against sin and wrongdoing.
The distinction between righteous anger and unchecked temper lies in the motivation and expression of anger. Righteous anger is characterized by a zeal for God and a desire to see sin and wrongdoing addressed, whereas unchecked temper is driven by personal pride, malice, or a desire for revenge [7]. According to John Gill, righteous anger is possible when it arises from a true zeal for God and is directed against sin, rather than against persons [8].
The biblical wisdom literature provides guidance on managing anger. Proverbs 15:1 advises that "a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" [5]. Similarly, Proverbs 29:22 states that "an angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin" [3]. Ecclesiastes 7:9 also cautions against the dangers of unchecked anger, suggesting that it can be better than laughter in certain circumstances because it can lead to correction [4].
In Christian living, the goal is not to eliminate anger entirely but to ensure that it does not lead to sin. The apostle Paul's instruction in Ephesians 4:26 to "be angry, and sin not" is a call to manage anger in a way that is consistent with Christian values [8, 10]. This involves recognizing when anger is righteous and when it is sinful, and taking steps to address the underlying issues.
The early Christian fathers also grappled with the issue of anger. John Chrysostom, an Eastern Orthodox father, emphasized the importance of gaining mastery over anger, not by retaliating with evil, but by bearing meekly the ill treatment and ill speech of others [9].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Anger — Forbidden -- Ec 7:9; Mt 5:22; Ro 12:19. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. A characteristic of fools -- Pr 12:16; 14:29; 27:3; Ec 7:9. Connected with Pride. -- Pr 21:24. Cruelty. -- Ge 49:7; Pr 27:3,4. Clamour and evil-speaking. -- Eph 4:31. Malice and blasphemy. -- Col 3:8. Strife and contention. -- Pr 21:19; 29:22; 30:33. Brings its own punishment -- Job 5:2; Pr 19:19; 25:28. Grievous words stir up -- Jdj 12:4; 2Sa 19:43; Pr 15:1. Should not betray us into sin -- Ps 37:8; Eph 4:26. In prayer be free from -- 1Ti 2:8. May be averted by wisdom -- Pr 29:8. Meeknes”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Anger — The emotion of instant displeasure on account of something evil that presents itself to our view. In itself it is an original susceptibility of our nature, just as love is, and is not necessarily sinful. It may, however, become sinful when causeless, or excessive, or protracted (Matt. 5:22; Eph. 4:26; Col. 3:8). As ascribed to God, it merely denotes his displeasure with sin and with sinners (Ps. 7:11).”
- Proverbs “An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin. -- Proverbs 29:22”
- Ecclesiastes “Ecclesiastes 7:4 (DRC) — Anger is better than laughter: because by the sadness of the countenance the mind of the offender is corrected.”
- Proverbs “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. -- Proverbs 15:1”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
- Colossians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Colossians 3:8: As we are to mortify inordinate appetites, so we are to mortify inordinate passions (Col 3:8): But now you also put off all these, anger wrath, malice; for these are contrary to the design of the gospel, as well as grosser impurities; and, though they are more spiritual wickedness, have not less malignity in them. The gospel religion introduces a change of the higher as well as the lower powers of the soul, and supports the dominion of right reason and conscience over appetite and passion. Anger and wrath are bad, but malice is worse, because it is more rooted ”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 4:24: Be ye angry, and sin not,.... There is anger which is not sinful; for anger is fouled in God himself, in Jesus Christ, in the holy angels, and in God's people; and a man may be said to be angry and not sin, when his anger arises from a true zeal for God and religion; when it is kindled not against persons, but sins; when a man is displeased with his own sins, and with the sins of others: with vice and immorality of every kind; with idolatry and idolatrous worship, and with all false doctrine; and also when it is carried on to answer good ends, as the good of those ”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: none reproves us, and do not many feelings of repentance come over us, both for what we have said and done; but when we gain the mastery, then are we not proud, and exult as conquerors? For victory in the case of anger is, not the requiting evil with the like, (that is utter defeat,) but the bearing meekly to be ill treated and ill spoken of. To get the better is not to inflict but to suffer evil. Therefore when angry do not say, “certainly I will retaliate,” “certainly I will be revenged”; do not persist in saying to those who exhort you to gain a ”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 4:26: Be ye angry, and sin not--So the Septuagint, Psa 4:4. Should circumstances arise to call for anger on your part, let it be as Christ's "anger" (Mar 3:5), without sin. Our natural feelings are not wrong when directed to their legitimate object, and when not exceeding due bounds. As in the future literal, so in the present spiritual, resurrection, no essential constituent is annihilated, but all that is a perversion of the original design is removed. Thus indignation at dishonor done to God, and wrong to man, is justifiable anger. Passion is sinful (d”