Topical Bible: Anger: Avoid Those Given To

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Anger, a powerful emotion, is addressed extensively in the Bible, where it is often portrayed as a destructive force that can lead to sin and discord. The Scriptures provide guidance on how to manage anger and caution against associating with those who are prone to it.

Biblical Warnings Against Anger

The Bible warns believers about the dangers of anger and the importance of self-control. Proverbs 22:24-25 advises, "Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare." This passage highlights the risk of adopting the negative traits of those who are quick to anger, suggesting that their influence can lead to personal downfall.

Similarly, Proverbs 29:22 states, "An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression." Here, anger is linked to conflict and sin, emphasizing the need to distance oneself from those who are easily provoked.

The Nature of Anger

Anger itself is not inherently sinful, as it is a natural human emotion. However, the Bible distinguishes between righteous and unrighteous anger. Righteous anger, as demonstrated by Jesus when He cleansed the temple (Matthew 21:12-13), is directed against sin and injustice. Unrighteous anger, on the other hand, is self-centered and often leads to harmful actions.

Ephesians 4:26-27 provides guidance on managing anger: "Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold." This passage acknowledges that anger can occur but warns against allowing it to persist and lead to sin.

The Consequences of Associating with the Angry

The Bible's counsel to avoid those given to anger is rooted in the understanding that such associations can have detrimental effects. Proverbs 16:32 extols the virtue of self-control, stating, "He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city." This verse underscores the strength found in patience and self-restraint, contrasting it with the volatility of anger.

Furthermore, James 1:19-20 advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." This instruction highlights the importance of measured responses and the pursuit of righteousness over impulsive reactions.

Practical Application

In practical terms, avoiding those given to anger involves seeking relationships that foster peace and mutual edification. Believers are encouraged to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, which includes patience and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). By surrounding themselves with individuals who exemplify these qualities, Christians can create an environment conducive to spiritual growth and harmony.

In summary, the Bible provides clear guidance on the dangers of anger and the importance of avoiding those who are prone to it. By adhering to these teachings, believers can protect themselves from the negative influences of anger and strive to live in accordance with God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 49:6
O my soul, come not you into their secret; to their assembly, my honor, be not you united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they dig down a wall.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 22:24
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man you shall not go:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Character and Teaching of the Bishop.
... speaker, nor false witness; not given to anger; no brawler ... at least do some good
action, and avoid some wicked ... says God by the prophet: "Testify those things to ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the character and.htm

David's Anger
... DAVID'S ANGER. ... is taught to say, I must not punish my enemy if I can avoid it ... and
put the fatherless to death, like the lawless lords of his time; those like Saul ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon iii davids anger.htm

Of the Origin and Character of Each of These Faults.
... on this account we must by all means avoid such a ... with excessive eagerness the
possession of those things which ... Of anger there are three kinds: one which rages ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xi of the origin.htm

All Association with Idols is to be Avoided.
... An Admonition Instructing Men to Avoid the Abominable Sin of ... land with their wickedness,
to provoke me to anger: and, behold, they are as those that mock ...
/.../constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii all association with idols.htm

To those who had not Attended the Assembly.
... to shame, and that to avoid being perpetually ... constantly retains his animosity, may
suppress his anger. ... transgressions, and avenge ourselves on those who have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/to those who had not.htm

Of Repentance, of Pardon, and the Commands of God.
... for the future, and always avoid all those things in ... makes a man cautious and diligent
to avoid the faults ... lusts, He will remove envy, He will mitigate anger. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxiv of repentance of pardon.htm

Preface. --It is Useless to Attempt to Benefit those who Will Not
... have to be given away, and to avoid the pain ... and he does not indulge in this foolish
anger only before ... all that interval with mightier pangs than those of the ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 1 preface it is useless.htm

On Helping the Poor.
... And not these only, but those that are in sin ... they pray, but will provoke God to
anger, as putting ... Avoid therefore such ministrations, as you would the price ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on helping the poor.htm

Ephesians i. 14-Nov
... This is the way to turn anger to account. ... I beseech you to avoid, that we may be
enabled to avoid also every other evil, and may obtain those good things ...
/.../homily ii ephesians i 14-nov.htm

The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ...
... His continued anger will still be devouring them. ... and preaching hell, is but to persuade
thee to avoid it ... or what tongue express, the pains of those souls that ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vi the misery of.htm