Frequently asked questions and answers

Question 391: Why Is It Wrong To Harbour Angry Feelings?

Answer:

YHVH forbids it (Ecclesiastes 7:9; Matthew 5:22; Romans 12:19); it is a characteristic of fools and a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:20; Proverbs 12:16; Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 27:3; Ecclesiastes 7:9). Anger is connected with pride, cruelty, clamorous and evil speaking, malice and blasphemy, strife and contention (Proverbs 21:24; Genesis 49:7; Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8; Proverbs 21 :19; Proverbs 29:22) and brings its own punishment (Job 5:2; Proverbs 19:19). Scripture teaches us that grievous words stir up anger that it may be averted by wisdom and that meekness pacifies (Judges 12:4; Proverbs 29:8, 15:1). We are enjoined to be slow to anger, to avoid those given to it, to be free from it in prayer and not to provoke children to it (Proverbs 15:18, 16:32; Titus 1:7; James 1:19; 1 Timothy 2-8; Ephesians 6:4).