Why Are You So Angry?

"There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot."  - Plato

Who hasn't been angry? After all, it's perfectly normal for humans to experience anger. It's one of our many human emotions. And it's the emotion that expresses our dislike or opposition toward something or someone we perceive with dissatisfaction or hatred.

The causes of anger are many and can vary from person to person. People or things might set us off. Sometimes certain thoughts and/or feelings flip the switch. Being mistreated or abused can cause us to get angry. Loss of control over situations can trigger anger, as can mood swings caused by physical changes.

However, anger becomes unhealthy when it's demonstrated in a way that is hurtful. or injurious to others or yourself. Proverbs 14:17 points out two common examples of this type of anger. One is the short-tempered, explosive anger. The other is the quiet, scheming, more calculated anger.

Unfortunately, one of the bad side-effects of these types of anger is that it can, and, in many cases does, lead to revenge. "A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated." As the Proverb expresses, the first person (man or woman) does "foolish" things because of their anger. Foolish in this case implies a lack of morals or corruptedness, rather than sense.

The second person is more cunning and deliberate in their anger. They quietly plot retaliation against another, "...the one who devises evil schemes." Either person is dispicable and despised (hated) by other people. Needless to say, it would be very difficult for them to find any lasting relationships, or friendships.

The quick-tempered person is often viewed as being foolish (Proverbs 14:29), troublesome (Proverbs 15:18), self-destructive (Proverbs 19:19; 25:28), and vicious. Similarly, the calculating person who quietly plans their method of vengance is likewise disliked by others, God (Proverbs 6:18), and will be reprimanded (Proverbs 12:2; 14:22).

Conversely, we have the person who, instead of a short-fuse, has an unruffled, controlled temper (Proverbs 19:11). A calm temper is seen as a wise and beneficial virtue (Proverbs 14:29; 19:11; 15:1; 25:15). Also, in contrast to scheming, retaliatory anger, self-restraint shows prudence (Proverbs 12:16;19:11), which in turn manifests greatness (Proverbs 16:32).

As I mentioned at the outset, anger is a natural human emotion. Anger in itself is not a bad thing. In fact, if released in a positive manner it can even be beneficial to our health. It's only when we use it to lash out and be hurtful that it becomes detrimental both emotionally and spiritually.

Negative anger is senseless, morally wrong, and just plain hateful. As Proverbs 14:17 teaches us, it's far better to keep our anger in check and live peaceably. And although we can't control what others say or do, we can change how we respond whenever anger-provoking situations arise in our own lives (Romans 12:18).

Scripture: Ephesians 4:26-27; James 1:19-20; Proverbs 29:11; Ecclesiastes 7:9; Colossians 3:8

Prayer: Dear Lord,  I am feeling anger in my heart and just can't control my emotions. Help me to calm down, offering the hurt and disappointment to You. Help me overcome this weakness and give me peace of heart and mind. Amen.

May your day be blessed!

Marilyn