The Bible recognizes two main types of anger: righteous anger and unrighteous (or sinful) anger.

1. Righteous anger

• Definition: This type of anger is a response to sin, injustice, or anything that goes against God’s character and purposes. It’s about being angry at what God hates, motivated by a desire to see God’s will done and His name glorified.
• Characteristics:
• God-centered, not self-centered: It is concerned with God’s honor and justice, not personal offenses or desires.
• Reacts against actual sin: It’s triggered by violations of God’s Word, not simply personal preferences or inconveniences.
• Seeks restoration: Its ultimate aim is to bring about repentance and a return to righteousness, rather than to inflict harm or seek revenge.
• Expresses itself in godly ways: It is accompanied by humility, patience, self-control, and love.
• Examples:
• Jesus cleansing the temple (John 2:13-17)
• Moses’ anger at the golden calf idolatry (Exodus 32:19-20)
• Paul rebuking Peter’s hypocrisy (Galatians 2)

2. Unrighteous/sinful anger

• Definition: This is anger that is driven by selfish desires, pride, a desire for revenge, or a lack of trust in God. It’s rooted in our own desires and wanting our will to be done, rather than God’s.
• Characteristics:
• Self-centered: It’s focused on being personally offended or having desires frustrated.
• Quick and uncontrolled: It’s characterized by a “short fuse” and quick temper, often leading to foolish actions and words.
• Seeks destruction or punishment: It aims to inflict harm or humiliation on others.
• Opens the door to the devil: Holding onto unrighteous anger can lead to bitterness, resentment, and a hardening of the heart, giving the devil an opportunity in our lives.
• Examples:
• Cain’s jealousy and anger leading to Abel’s murder (Genesis 4:6–8)
• The older brother’s resentment towards the prodigal son (Luke 15:28)
• Holding onto bitterness, wrath, malice, slander, and evil thoughts (Ephesians 4:31)

Ephesians 4:26: Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
This verse suggests that anger is permissible, but it should not lead to sin and should be resolved quickly.

Psalm 4:4: Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
This verse calls for believers to “Be angry, and do not sin”. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and control even when experiencing anger.

Unresolved anger can lead to personal harm, relationship problems, and spiritual consequences, such as giving the devil an opportunity.

The Bible encourages believers to deal with anger by practicing self-control, seeking forgiveness, and resolving conflicts promptly.

Patrick Brown was born at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ on February 25^th, 1949. He became a Christian Believer when he stepped off the plane in Vietnam in 1971. Since that time, he has devoted his life to the Lord through ministering as a Sunday School teacher in various churches in Mississippi. He is a graduate of Exploding Evangelism (EE) and certified as a Gospel Evangelist Trainer. Patrick is a member on staff at Christian Grandfather Magazine in charge of Daily Devotionals. He and his wife, Sherrilyn, enjoy retirement in Ridgeland, MS. They have two Daughters, five Grandsons and two Great Grandsons.

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