Anger: Anger has always been a universal sinful response to life’s irritations and problems. While there exists a godly anger, most anger is sinful, and as James informs us, “The anger of man does not accomplish the righteousness of God” (1:20). Proverbs has much to say about anger for the most part we get angry because something is not going our way. And while we often see ourselves as clever when we express anger, 29:11 says it is actually a mark of a fool, who imagines himself as clever when anger rules, we are out of control (19:19). How can we uproot anger? First, we need to recognize it for what it is. If we want to weed our flower garden, we need to know a flower from a weed. Secondly, we need to realize that we are not at the mercy of our emotions and we can control them – including anger (16:32). Self-control is actually a fruit of the Spirit. Third, take God seriously when He tells us that He is in charge of righting wrongs – even those which have you all frustrated (20:22). Finally, one very practical action – hang out with peaceable people (22:24-25). Anger can be learned by spending time with angry people. Find people who do not react quickly with anger and learn their ways.
