What is the meaning of Ephesians 4:26?

Be angry

“Be angry…” (Ephesians 4:26a) tells us that anger itself is not automatically sinful. Scripture shows moments when God’s people—and God Himself—express righteous indignation.

• Moses shattered the tablets when Israel worshiped the calf (Exodus 32:19).

• Jesus, “grieved by their hardness of heart,” looked on the Pharisees “with anger” before healing (Mark 3:5).

• Psalm 7:11 declares that “God is a righteous judge, a God who displays His wrath every day.”

Righteous anger rises against genuine evil, defends the oppressed, and aligns with God’s holiness. It is never self-centered, vindictive, or uncontrolled.

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yet do not sin

We are warned, “…yet do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26b). Anger turns sinful when it:

• Lingers in bitterness (Hebrews 12:15).

• Explodes in harsh words or violence (Proverbs 29:11; James 1:19-20).

• Seeks revenge instead of entrusting justice to God (Romans 12:19).

Practical checkpoints:

– Pause and pray before speaking (Proverbs 15:1).

– Search motives: Is the anger over God’s honor or personal ego?

– Respond with truth and grace together (John 1:14; Galatians 6:1).

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Do not let the sun set upon your anger

“…Do not let the sun set upon your anger” (Ephesians 4:26c) stresses urgency. Lingering anger hardens hearts and opens doors to the enemy’s schemes (Ephesians 4:27).

• Jesus urges immediate reconciliation—“First go and be reconciled to your brother” (Matthew 5:23-24).

• Paul calls believers to “forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).

• Quick confession and conversation restore unity and guard the Body’s witness (John 13:35).

Practical steps before nightfall:

– Ask the Spirit to reveal any grudges.

– Approach the person humbly, aiming for peace (Romans 12:18).

– If needed, enlist godly mediation (Matthew 18:15-16).

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summary

Ephesians 4:26 permits righteous anger that mirrors God’s holiness, yet firmly forbids allowing that anger to cross the line into sin. The verse also places a time limit on unresolved anger, urging swift reconciliation lest bitterness take root and Satan gain a foothold. In Christ we can be passionate for righteousness, self-controlled in expression, and quick to forgive—reflecting the character of our Lord who is “slow to anger and rich in love” (Psalm 145:8).