Anger

The Bible usually portrays human anger as sinful, and that is definitely the type of anger that is addressed in Proverbs.

Have you ever been around someone who is quick-tempered? What is it like for those around them? Fearful, walking on eggshells, wearisome, lack of peace, etc.

Proverbs addresses these 2 aspects of Anger:
1. The Problem
2. The Solution

Anger-The Problem
Proverbs 14:17
A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.

When we’re angry we tend to do things that are foolish, hasty, and rash, with little regard for the long-term consequences.

Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.

Anger leads to many sins
It leads to conflict, discord, disagreements and rebellion

Proverbs 30:33
For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.

This makes me think of the kind of anger that grows when we stew over something.
We keep thinking about something and the more we think about, the more angry we become. The anger grows as we churn and twist, and stir it up. Stewing over a matter stirs up anger and strife in the heart

Proverbs 19:19
A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.

There needs to be consequences for our anger-If not, we will do it again and again. Consequences are a good teacher. Some people need to learn the hard way. When we “rescue” them, they lose the chance to learn the hard way and so don’t learn at all

Anger: The Solution-Patience:

Proverbs 19:11
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

The wise choose patience rather than anger. Anger leads to revenge and bitterness. Overlooking an offense or forgiveness is the higher ground. Love is patient, right?

Anger: The Solution-Avoid the situation or person:

Proverbs 22:24-25
²⁴ Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, ²⁵ or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.

Solution: Avoid making friends with someone who can’t control their anger. Beware of the influence they will have on you. We don’t always have a choice (i.e. family), but when we do, we should be careful not to have close friends that have a negative influence on us.

The Problem and the Solution: Comparisons:

Proverbs 12:16
A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Proverbs 14:16
A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

Proverbs 29:8
Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.