How can we avoid letting "wrath entice" us into sin in our lives? Setting the Scene Job 36:18 warns, “Be careful that rage does not entice you to scoffing, and do not let the greatness of the ransom turn you aside.” Wrath is pictured as a seducer luring us away from obedience. Elihu’s counsel to Job reminds every believer that unchecked anger can derail faithfulness. Why Wrath Is So Seductive • It feels justified: “The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). • It promises control but delivers bondage (Proverbs 25:28). • It blinds us to God’s bigger purposes (Genesis 50:20). • It hardens the heart, leading to scoffing and contempt (Psalm 1:1). Scriptural Safeguards Against Wrath • Slow down: “Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19). • Stay current with God and people: “Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27). • Yield to the Spirit: “The fruit of the Spirit is…self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). • Remember Christ’s example: “When He was reviled, He did not retaliate” (1 Peter 2:23). • Guard your words: “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). • Keep eternity in view: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Romans 12:19). Practical Steps to Walk Out These Truths 1. Pause and pray the moment irritation surfaces; invite the Spirit to rule your emotions. 2. Identify triggers in advance—fatigue, injustice, criticism—and plan righteous responses. 3. Memorize key verses (e.g., Proverbs 16:32; Colossians 3:13) and recite them aloud. 4. Choose active forgiveness; speak it, write it, act on it before feelings catch up. 5. Redirect energy: take a walk, serve someone, sing praise—replace wrath with worship. 6. Seek accountability; allow a trusted believer to ask you regularly about anger. 7. Practice gratitude daily; thanksgiving softens resentment. Promises to Hold Onto • God judges justly (Psalm 7:11). • He gives sufficient grace to respond righteously (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Peace is the birthright of the Spirit-filled life (Philippians 4:7). Putting It All Together Wrath entices when we nurse it; it withers when we expose it to Scripture, surrender to the Spirit, and choose forgiving action. Job 36:18 calls us to vigilance. By slowing down, leaning on God’s Word, and walking in ongoing repentance, we keep anger from steering us into sin and showcase Christ’s life within us. |
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