Topical Bible: Anger: Grievous Words Stir Up

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Anger is a powerful emotion that is frequently addressed in the Bible, often with warnings about its potential to lead to sin and discord. One of the key verses that highlights the destructive nature of anger is found in Proverbs 15:1, which states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" . This verse underscores the importance of communication and the impact that words can have on emotions and relationships.

The Bible consistently advises believers to exercise self-control and to be mindful of their speech. In James 1:19-20, it is written, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should 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 passage emphasizes the need for patience and the dangers of allowing anger to dictate one's actions.

The concept of "grievous words" refers to speech that is harsh, hurtful, or inflammatory. Such words can escalate conflicts and provoke anger in others, leading to strife and division. Proverbs 29:11 further illustrates this by stating, "A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back" . The wise person exercises restraint and chooses words carefully, understanding the potential consequences of unbridled anger.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul provides guidance on how to manage anger within the Christian community. Ephesians 4:26-27 advises, "Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold" . This instruction acknowledges that anger itself is not inherently sinful, but it becomes problematic when it leads to sinful behavior or when it is allowed to fester.

The teachings of Jesus also address the issue of anger and its relation to the heart. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expands on the commandment against murder by equating unjust anger with the spirit of murder. Matthew 5:22 records Jesus saying, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment" . This highlights the seriousness with which God views anger and the importance of reconciliation.

Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to pursue peace and to use their words to build up rather than tear down. Colossians 3:8 instructs, "But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips" . This call to action reflects the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, enabling them to overcome the natural inclination toward anger and to cultivate a spirit of gentleness and kindness.

In summary, the Bible provides clear guidance on the dangers of anger and the role of grievous words in stirring it up. Believers are called to exercise self-control, to speak with wisdom and gentleness, and to seek reconciliation and peace in their interactions with others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 12:4
Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead, and fought with Ephraim: and the men of Gilead smote Ephraim, because they said, You Gileadites are fugitives of Ephraim among the Ephraimites, and among the Manassites.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 19:43
And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than you: why then did you despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Backbiting is the Gravest of all Sins Committed against ...
... is a murderer "occasionally," since by his words he gives ... from this that backbiting
is more grievous than reviling ... to a greater sin, just as anger gives birth ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether backbiting is the gravest.htm

Matt. xxvii. 62-64.
... His death did they let go their anger), and these ... humane; and ye shall hear not these
words only, "All ... For more bitter is this grievous slavery, when any one ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxix matt xxvii 62-64.htm

What God is to Us.
... angry, and never implacably angry,""slow to anger, and keeps ... of this, the Lord spends
more words, according to ... For what can be more grievous to fervent love ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture ix what god is.htm

Matt. x. 34
... his neighbor, then He laid aside His anger against them ... practised greater impudence,
yea in respect of grievous matters. ... Answer him peaceable words with meekness ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxv matt x 34.htm

Matt. Ii. 16
... but rages even against nature herself, and his anger against the ... then, however late,
to loose these grievous chains ... we are warring against it in words, it makes ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily ix matt ii 16.htm

Philippians i. 11-Aug
... he says, "to speak the word without fear"; the words "more abundantly ... his calamities,
and render him subject to greater anger: well said he ... which is grievous? ...
/.../homily ii philippians i 11-aug.htm

On Schism
... Anger, jealousy, envy, wrong tempers of every kind, do ... And what grievous
stumbling-block must these things be ... He will give you acceptable words, and will ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 75 on schism.htm

Matt. x. 16
... indeed there are many that provoke to anger, and incite ... For the more grievous, and
apt to infuse greater perplexity ... many to comfort them, some by words, some by ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxiii matt x 16.htm

The Folly and Danger of Parting with Christ for the Pleasures and ...
... tempt, or to hurry a soul, O how grievous a tyrant ... though it is cruel, and of their
anger though it ... let them shoot their arrows, even bitter words, against us ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of 2.htm

Self-Denial
... which is not only not joyous, but grievous; something which ... He has given place to
pride, or anger, or desire, to ... but their words are, in every sense, vain words ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 48 self-denial.htm