When Anger Rules Psalm 37:1-9

Displays of Anger  Politics and anger, Proverbs 22:8  Our character and disposition must be different from the world, James 1:20 2

Timeless Truth about Anger  “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1  “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Proverbs 16:32  “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath…” James 1:19 3

The Sin of Anger An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression. Proverbs 29:22 4

The Sin of Anger  A disposition of fury (orge), Colossians 3:8 Does not produce good fruit, James 1:20 We can and must put away anger, Colossians 3:8  Repent of anger, Ephesians 4:26, 27 Refuse anger when it begins … How? Meditate on the Lord and trust in Him, Psalm 4:4-5 (Phil. 4:8) 5

Anger: A Heart Problem For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you. Proverbs 23:7 6

Anger: A Heart Problem  Character (heart) and conduct combine to reveal the person, Colossians 3:1-10 (8); Matthew 7:17- 18; 12:34-37 Conduct is the fruit of character Correct the heart to overcome anger 7

Anger: A Heart Problem  Companions of anger show its threatening nature, Ephesians 4:31-32 Anger invokes bitterness, quarreling, malice, unkindness It lacks compassion, is not forgiving, alienates God and men A work of the flesh, Galatians 5:

Anger Increases Trouble  Advances unrighteousness, Proverbs 15:1-2; 14:29 Strife and contention, Proverbs 15:18 Lack of self-control that prevents sober- mindedness, Titus 2:12 Jealousy and selfish ambition, Galatians 5:20 Exalts self; is not humble, Mark 9:33-37; 10:41 9

Rulers and Anger  We must rule our own spirit and not be ruled by anger, Proverbs 16:32; Romans 6:12-14  Rulers need discretion because anger disables good judgment, Proverbs 19:11 Provocations from anger show foolishness, Proverbs 20:2-3 (29:11) Anger is the product of fools, Ecclesiastes 7:9; Proverbs 14:17 10

God: A Very Present Help Psalm 46  Anger will not help us at times of turmoil and uncertainty  Peace is not achieved by exalting and extolling sin  No comfort in anger, Proverbs 13:15  Bad-tempered, angry leaders do great harm and are not great in God’s sight, Ecclesiastes 10: