I was eating at a restaurant the other day and I overheard a man at the table behind me saying to his waiter, “You are really slow.” He was obviously angry about the amount of time it took to get his food. I thought to myself, “That guy is a real jerk!” He was, but then I remembered how often I get angry. I’m a jerk sometimes. I bet you are too. If you are like me, you get angry at all kinds of things. Angry at your boss. Angry at your family. Angry at traffic jams. Angry at the guy who got the promotion. Angry at the liberals. Angry at the right wing conservatives. Angry at a sports team. Angry with your current situation. Angry with God. Angry at the church. Angry at what you feel was mistreatment. Angry that the internet is slow. Angry that gas is so expensive. Angry that someone else gets more recognition than you. Angry that your professor gives you too much homework.
We are angry people. Some more than others, but all of us get angry. The Bible has much to say regarding getting angry:
“Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9, ESV)
“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, NKJV)
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil” (Psalm 37:8, NIV)
“Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare” (Proverbs 22:24-25, ESV)
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32, NLT)
