Rightly Using Anger
When we get angry, God offers direction for its proper use in Psalm 4:4,
[4] Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
The idea stated in Ephesians 4:26 clarifies the real issue of anger is not overcoming anger, but actually learning to properly use it:
“There is a great need in the contemporary world for more Christian anger. . . In the face of blatant evil we should be indignant not tolerant, angry not apathetic. If God hates sin, his people should hate it too. If evil arouses his anger, it should arouse ours also.”
The problem therefore is not anger in itself as an enemy, but when anger remains unchecked (cf. ESV Expositiory) and degenerates into sin (NICNT). If you are going to know how to use anger rightly, it will be through a proper use, something that the whole of Psalm 4 entails. It would be wise therefore to study that Psalm and especially how David shares his meditation with us as he ponders on his own bed. Here it is:
Psalm 4
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
[1] Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
[2] O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
[3] But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.
[4] Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
[5] Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the LORD.
[6] There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!”
[7] You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.
[8] In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
There is a man who can be trusted to exercise anger without sinning. Ultimately we see Christ using anger for good purposes and without sinning. It comes out of hearts that have not seen anger as something to overcome, but something to use properly.
