Ephesians 4:26 (KJV)
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.”
The Nature of Anger in the Heart of Man
Anger is a powerful emotion woven into the human experience. Scripture does not hide its presence—God’s people, prophets, kings, and even Christ Himself expressed anger. But the Word of God draws a clear line between carnal anger that leads to sin and righteous anger that aligns with God’s holiness. Anger, in itself, is not condemned; the danger lies in its source, its motivation, and its expression. The heart determines whether anger becomes a doorway to sin or a channel for justice.
When Anger Becomes Sin
Scripture consistently warns of the destructive nature of fleshly anger. This form of anger springs from pride, selfishness, wounded ego, or uncontrolled passion.
Anger rooted in the flesh
James writes, “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Human wrath—birthed in self-will—cannot produce anything that reflects God’s character. Cain exemplifies this truth. His anger, fueled by jealousy and rebellion, led him to murder Abel (Genesis 4:5–8). His anger was not righteous; it was the overflow of a corrupted heart.
Anger that leads to strife and contention
Proverbs gives solemn warnings:
- “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly” (Proverbs 14:17).
- “A wrathful man stirreth up strife” (Proverbs 15:18).
Fleshly anger destroys relationships, divides churches, and blinds the mind. It produces foolish decisions and leaves spiritual devastation in its wake.
Anger that lingers
Paul commands, “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26). Unresolved anger becomes bitterness. Bitterness becomes hardness. Hardness becomes sin. When anger is allowed to remain, it gives “place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27). Satan works wherever anger festers without repentance.
Anger that contradicts Christlike character
When the disciples wanted to call down fire on the Samaritans, Jesus rebuked them, saying, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of” (Luke 9:55). Their anger felt justified to them, but Jesus exposed its true spirit—one foreign to the heart of God. Any anger that violates Christ’s nature is sinful.
When Anger Is Righteous
The Bible also reveals anger that is holy, just, and aligned with God’s will. This anger does not arise from ego or emotion but from a zeal for God’s holiness, truth, and righteousness.
God’s own anger as the standard
The Lord is “slow to anger” (Psalm 103:8), yet He does become angry when holiness is despised, injustice is embraced, and sin is unrepented. Divine anger is never impulsive—it is always righteous, measured, and just.
Christ’s righteous indignation
Jesus Himself displayed righteous anger. When He cleansed the temple, driving out the moneychangers, Scripture says, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up” (John 2:17). His anger was not personal outrage; it was a holy response to the defilement of His Father’s house.
Anger against sin and injustice
Believers are called to hate sin. Psalm 97:10 declares, “Ye that love the Lord, hate evil.” Righteous anger is aimed not at personal offense but at the corruption of truth, the oppression of the innocent, and the dishonor of God’s name. This kind of anger drives prophets to speak truth, preachers to confront wickedness, and believers to defend righteousness.
Anger that aligns with the Spirit
Ephesians 4:26 gives permission for righteous anger—“Be ye angry, and sin not.” Such anger is controlled, sanctified, and governed by Scripture. It does not lash out; it stands firm. It does not wound; it warns. It does not seek revenge; it seeks justice and repentance.
Guarding the Heart in Moments of Anger
Anger, even when righteous, must be handled with spiritual discipline.
Submit the heart to the Spirit
Galatians 5:22–23 calls believers to walk in the fruit of the Spirit, including temperance. If anger arises, the believer must immediately bring it under the Spirit’s control.
Examine the motive
Before expressing anger, the believer should ask:
- Is this about God’s righteousness—or my ego?
- Is this anger driven by love for truth—or by hurt feelings?
- Will this produce peace, repentance, or spiritual clarity?
If the motive is impure, the anger must be repented of.
Release anger quickly
Even righteous anger must not be cherished. It is a tool—not a dwelling place. Paul warns that extended anger becomes a spiritual snare. Anger must be resolved through prayer, forgiveness, and obedience.
Conclusion
Anger is not inherently sinful, but it is always spiritually dangerous. Scripture distinguishes clearly between carnal anger that leads to sin and righteous anger that reflects God’s holiness. Sinful anger arises from the flesh—selfishness, pride, and impatience. Righteous anger arises from the Spirit—a zeal for truth, justice, and the honor of God.
The believer must learn to discern the difference. To walk in Christlike maturity is to allow the Word and Spirit to govern every emotion. When anger aligns with God’s will, it becomes a force for righteousness. When it aligns with the flesh, it becomes a path to destruction.
“Be ye angry, and sin not.” This is not merely a command; it is a call to spiritual wisdom, holy discernment, and Christlike character.