by Keith Sharp
Atomic energy, the most powerful, earthly energy source used by man, is capable of amazing good or incalculable harm. Estimates are that at least 225,000 Japanese died as the result of the atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. But in 2016 almost 20% of electricity in America was generated by nuclear power plants.
Anger is the most powerful human emotion (Vine. 1:55). Anger is closely associated with wrath (cf. Ephesians 4:31) or “outbursts of wrath” (Galatians 5:20). Anger, properly directed and controlled is a righteous characteristic of God (Romans 2:5-9) and Christ (Mark 3:5; Revelation 19:15). It is not sinful in itself to be angry (Ephesians 4:26). But improperly directed or uncontrolled anger is sinful and destructive (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:31).
What kind of anger is sinful?
Six closely related sins are enumerated in Ephesians 4:31: “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”
“Bitterness” is “animosity, anger, harshness” (Arndt & Gingrich. 663). It is smoldering resentment, holding a grudge. It might be manifested in harsh speech to or about someone or even by refusing to speak to that person.
“Wrath,”well translated “outbursts of wrath” in Galatians 5:20, as one of the sinful works of the flesh, is fierce anger that quickly blazes up and as quickly subsides (Thayer. 293; Vine. 1:56). It is manifested by angry outbursts or even physical attacks. King Saul’s wrath rooted in jealousy led him to try to kill his faithful and best soldier, David (1 Samuel 18:6-11).
“Anger” is the more general word, indicating “a strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism” (Meriam-Webster).
“Clamor” involves “outcry… shouting” (Mounce. 1195). The angry, “loud outcry” of the Pharisees and Sadducees toward one another over the apostle Paul in Acts 23:9 is a translation of the same word translated “clamor.” “Clamor” is angry argument.
“Evil speaking” is otherwise translated “blasphemy.” Both the NASB and the ESV render it “slander” in Ephesians 4:31. King Saul, because of his hot wrath at his loyal servant David and his faithful son Jonathan, called Jonathan “you son of a perverse, rebellious woman”! (1 Samuel 20:30) His wrath led him to slander both his wife and his son.
“Malice” is “ill will,” the “desire to injure” another. When a fellow says “I’d like to punch that guy!,” he’s confessing malice. Malicious gossip stems from malice.
Paul states another display of sinful anger in Colossians 3:8 where he warns against “filthy language out of your mouth.” The phrase “filthy language” means “obscene language, foul talk” (Mounce. 1074; so ESV). When a crude, foul mouth yells curses and four letter expletives, he is guilty of the “filthy language” caused by an outburst of wrath.
Sinful anger leads to cruelty toward those at whom we are angry (Proverbs 27:4; Genesis 49:5-7).
It causes strife (Proverbs 15:18; 30:33), including strife in the church (2 Corinthians 12:20). Unrepented, it will cause eternal condemnation (Galatians 5:21).
How many cherished friendships have been broken, homes have been torn apart, congregations divided, innocent people caused to suffer, and souls have been lost because of sinful anger? “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”
Works Cited
Arndt, W.F. and F.W. Gingrich, Greek to English Lexicon of the New Testament.
Bible,
English Standard Version
New American Standard Bible
Meriam-Webster Dictionary
Mounce, William, Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words.
Thayer, J.H., Greek to English Lexicon of the New Testament.
Vine, W.E. Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.
