This article is titled after the words of Solomon: “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly” (Proverbs 14:29). In the English language wrath is: “strong vengeful anger or indignation” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary; Fourth Edition). The Hebrew term in Solomon’s writing is “'aph” which according to the Brown, Driver, Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon simply means “anger” in this passage. Thus, those who are slow to be definitively angry are those who are of great understanding or knowledge. This is a needed study for many of us. I know for sure that this brief study is something I have to often consider. I cannot stand willful stupidity and the results of such often cause me to be angry. That is something I have struggled with for nearly all of my existence on this earth. In fact, I’ve repented of letting anger control me more than once. We must also know that there are times where we can have a righteous anger and even a righteous indignation (Jeremiah 15:16-17). Sin ought to make us angry, but that does not permit action in anger. We can be angry and sin not (Ephesians 4:26). Even our Heavenly Father shows wrath against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men (Romans 1:18; cf. Ezekiel 22:31). However, we are still cautioned through inspiration. Solomon penned a very interesting passage saying: “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). James wrote: “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). All too often Christians find themselves struggling with leaving a carnal anger out of their lives. We need to learn to focus better than that. We need to learn not to be angry over things which have no spiritual value at all in our lives. A true understanding of righteous indignation verses carnal indignation starts with a mindset we all need to share as Christians. You are driving down the highway and some goofball decides he wants to be in your lane when there’s not enough time or room for him to be there. Guess what, he’s a goofball and does not care. He goes ahead and pulls right in front of you. If you’ ve driven in El Paso for any period of time, you’ve seen that happen too often. How does this action of stupidity affect you? Is it kind of like a match being struck on a matchbox? Is it worse, like gasoline poured on a hot fire? Now that you’re mind is probably on some time or feeling you’ve had when that has happened to you, let’s see what should be our response. First, we are commanded: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31). Secondly, we are shown: “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife” (Proverbs 15:18). Now, ask yourself if the two aforementioned scriptures would promote road rage. What does getting mad at a moron solve anyway? In fact, doesn’t that anger just ruin your day and cause you to act without clear thinking? Carnal anger (not speaking of anger against sinful activity) does no good for anyone. If you can step back from a situation and cool off, that will help all things. Notice two scriptures that prove that very point: “A Soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32). Carnal anger just leads to further sins of the flesh. That kind of anger causes fights, foul talk, and even murder. Anger becomes a god that we often submit to and worship. If you want to be angry about something be angry about the things that God is angry about and use that anger as motivation for good. God hates sin and is very angry with those who commit it (Psalms 5:5 and Isaiah 13:9). We’re supposed love the good and hate evil (Amos 5:14-15). We can look at sin and be angry at what sin causes (Romans 6:23). Then, let’s take that anger and use it to motivate us for good. Let’s be motivated to be earnest defenders of the faith (Jude 3). Let’s be angry that the old serpent (the devil) has many souls in his hands and let’s use the gospel to take some back (Romans 10:13-17). Let’s be angry that our brethren are not living the way they need to be living and use that anger to embolden ourselves to rebuke them and gain them back as brethren (Luke 17:3-4, James 5:19-20, and Titus 1:10-13). Let’s get angry at the ignorance among the saints today and study that we might be able teachers of those who are still babes because of their carnal minds (Hebrews 5:12-14; cf. I Corinthians 3:1-6). Let’s be angry about those things that matter. We need to be able to laugh at the ignorant driver, the foolish clerk who mistreats us, those who think they’re better than you, your favorite sports team losing, etc. All of those things devour us and cause us to lose sight of what is really important. Let’s be real slow to get angry. Let’s have enough self-control to look objectively at all that happens to us and around us. Anger causes us to lose clarity of thought and we often say or do things we might not do if we have time to cool down. If you know something is going to cause you to flip off the handle, stay away from it. Keep yourself from those things which tempt you to sin. To be new creatures in Christ Jesus we have to put off the carnal things and anger is one of those carnal things we have to walk away from (Colossians 3:8-10). Finally, consider this inspired statement of Solomon: “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated” (Proverbs 14:17). |
| Volume VII ~ Issue XVIII ~ January 28th, 2007 |
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
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What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)? Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent
of their sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of sins into the
church of Christ (Acts 2:38, I Corinthians 12:12-13, and Romans 6:1-6). One must then remain faithful (Rev. 2:10).
of their sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of sins into the
church of Christ (Acts 2:38, I Corinthians 12:12-13, and Romans 6:1-6). One must then remain faithful (Rev. 2:10).
| Edited by: Brian A. Yeager |
| He That is Slow to Wrath is of Great Understanding By: Brian A. Yeager |
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| The Mind That Opposes Carnal Anger |