“An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.”

The book of Proverbs is part of the Bible’s wisdom literature. It contains a number of instructions for living while contemplating the difficulties of life. It gives instruction for a useful and effective life, from a Godly perspective, and it is rich with truth.

For anyone who has experienced anger, the verse today is hardly a surprise. It seems obvious, not like a deep truth or undiscovered wisdom. I’ve experienced the folly of my own anger, and I don’t think I’m alone. But let’s look deeper. The word for “angry man” is not just someone who experiences anger. The word means “someone who is given to anger” - not just temporarily. This verse talks about one who broods, who lives with this emotion regularly. It is a way of living. Not only does he stir up dissention and strife, but he causes sin in both himself and others. Proverbs 22:24 goes as far as to warn us not to be a friend with this man - it will bring trouble for sure!

So how do we deal with this? Anger can be a spiritual ally. (Andrew Lester wrote a great book called Anger: Discovering Your Spiritual Ally) How can anger help us grow closer to the heart of God and live a righteous life?

Two things I have discovered are these: One, anger is a red flag that cues me in to some need or insecurity that is being violated. Rather than running away with anger, I need to ask harder questions to discover what my raw spot is and how God can soothe it.

Two, my anger tends to be my attempt to regain control of what is beyond me. Perhaps this is a great opportunity to practice my trust in God. He is certainly not powerless with the occasion, and He does want good for me. Trust and rest when you’re angry are tall challenges. Maybe this prayer from John Wesley can help you, the way it has helped me.

I am no longer my own, but yours.

Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you,

Praised for you or criticized for you.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and fully surrender all things to your glory and service.

And now, O wonderful and holy God,

Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer,

You are mine and I am yours.

So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

Let it also be made in heaven. Amen.