26be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and do not give the devil an opportunity.
The Apostle Paul continues to exhort the pagan converts to give evidence to their new-found faith in Christ by living differently from non-believers. He strongly encourages us to let go of our old, self-centered nature and purposefully embrace a new, righteous identity that reflects God’s image. The passionate plea to reject falsehood (vs. 25) and deceitful behavior is a compelling reminder of the inner and outer behavior expected from those who have been changed by Christ.
Here in verse 26, Paul continues in his exhortation and says, “be angry, and yet do not sin…”1. This seems to be a quote from Psalm 4:4 which shows a balanced approach to anger, recognizing its appropriateness in certain situations2 while warning against its harmful effects. This implies that while feeling angry may not automatically lead to sin, there is a potential risk. Anger, recognized as a strong emotional response to real or perceived harm, often includes a desire for retaliation. However, the urge for payback is not necessarily inherent to anger, even though it often involves expressing discontent or seeking retribution.
I think Paul is simply referring to this passage in Psalms to convey the following idea – that there are three ways we fall into sin when we get angry. First, when our anger comes from petty reasons, or even no reason at all, or from personal hurts or offenses. Second, when we go too far and become excessively angry. Third, when our anger, which should have been directed at ourselves or our sins, is instead directed at our brothers. Paul tries to describe to us the appropriate way to manage anger. In other words, after a reasonable amount of time, we should let go of our anger rather than harboring it in our hearts. If we find ourselves angry at any point, let’s make an effort to find peace before the day is over, as Paul says, “do not let the sun go down on your anger” (cf. Deut. 24:15). This phrase is linked to the Jewish day starting at sunset, highlighting the need for timely reconciliation and effective emotional management. Failing to do so not only allows anger to grow but also opens the door to spiritual attack, as Paul says “do not give the devil an opportunity”3 in verse 27. This shows how unresolved anger can make you vulnerable to negative spiritual influences, making you a good fodder for the devil’s machinations.
The devil4 is seen as a malevolent force constantly seeking to establish his presence in people’s lives. The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians (2Cor 2:10-11), emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the potential advantage that the devil can gain when we harbor resentment. This cautionary message serves as a reminder to confront our own quick temper and reluctance to forgive, as these attitudes can provide the devil with a significant advantage in influencing our thoughts and actions. Therefore, it is imperative to heed the wisdom of James 4:7 to “resist the Devil, and he will flee from you,” reaffirming the power of resisting temptation and standing firm on the word of God.
Here in verse 26, Paul continues in his exhortation and says, “be angry, and yet do not sin…”1. This seems to be a quote from Psalm 4:4 which shows a balanced approach to anger, recognizing its appropriateness in certain situations2 while warning against its harmful effects. This implies that while feeling angry may not automatically lead to sin, there is a potential risk. Anger, recognized as a strong emotional response to real or perceived harm, often includes a desire for retaliation. However, the urge for payback is not necessarily inherent to anger, even though it often involves expressing discontent or seeking retribution.
I think Paul is simply referring to this passage in Psalms to convey the following idea – that there are three ways we fall into sin when we get angry. First, when our anger comes from petty reasons, or even no reason at all, or from personal hurts or offenses. Second, when we go too far and become excessively angry. Third, when our anger, which should have been directed at ourselves or our sins, is instead directed at our brothers. Paul tries to describe to us the appropriate way to manage anger. In other words, after a reasonable amount of time, we should let go of our anger rather than harboring it in our hearts. If we find ourselves angry at any point, let’s make an effort to find peace before the day is over, as Paul says, “do not let the sun go down on your anger” (cf. Deut. 24:15). This phrase is linked to the Jewish day starting at sunset, highlighting the need for timely reconciliation and effective emotional management. Failing to do so not only allows anger to grow but also opens the door to spiritual attack, as Paul says “do not give the devil an opportunity”3 in verse 27. This shows how unresolved anger can make you vulnerable to negative spiritual influences, making you a good fodder for the devil’s machinations.
The devil4 is seen as a malevolent force constantly seeking to establish his presence in people’s lives. The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians (2Cor 2:10-11), emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the potential advantage that the devil can gain when we harbor resentment. This cautionary message serves as a reminder to confront our own quick temper and reluctance to forgive, as these attitudes can provide the devil with a significant advantage in influencing our thoughts and actions. Therefore, it is imperative to heed the wisdom of James 4:7 to “resist the Devil, and he will flee from you,” reaffirming the power of resisting temptation and standing firm on the word of God.
In summary, the Apostle Paul’s teachings on handling anger act as a lasting reminder of the possible dangers connected to this intense emotion. His guidance urges followers to approach their emotional reactions with wisdom, acknowledging the validity of anger in specific circumstances while stressing the need to promptly address conflicts. By addressing the risks of leaving anger unresolved and its vulnerability to spiritual influence, Paul underscores the importance of cultivating a forgiving attitude and actively combating sin in our lives. Ultimately, his advice underscores the significance of displaying Christ-like behavior, as believers are representatives of God in this imperfect world.
- This is a PRESENT MIDDLE (deponent) IMPERATIVE which denotes a command that is expected to be followed not once, but as an ongoing process. ↩︎
- In the passage from John 2:13-17, Jesus demonstrates the righteous use of anger when he cleanses the temple. This event showcases his fervent stance against the desecration of a sacred place. Similarly, in Matthew 23:13-28, Jesus delivers a powerful rebuke to the scribes and Pharisees, denouncing their hypocrisy and lack of true righteousness.
These instances serve as reminders that anger, when employed for just causes, can be a catalyst for positive change. However, it also underscores the importance of tempering this emotion with wisdom and restraint, in line with the teachings and example set by Jesus. ↩︎ - The is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE with the NEGATIVE PARTICIPLE which signifies to cease an ongoing action. It highlights the urgency of addressing ungodly anger, as it can potentially create vulnerability to spiritual attack. Furthermore, the text acknowledges the existence of godly anger, citing biblical references such as John 2:13-17 and Matt. 21:12-13. However, it emphasizes the necessity of promptly dealing with even godly anger, as highlighted in Ephesians 6:10-18. This passage urges readers to recognize the potential dangers of unchecked anger, urging them to address it promptly and effectively to safeguard against spiritual vulnerabilities. ↩︎
- The term “devil” originates from the Greek word “diabolos” which means “to throw across” (cf. Acts 13:10; Eph. 4:27; 6:11; 1 Tim. 3:6,7; 2 Tim. 2:26). This imagery is a reference to Satan, the accuser. In various passages, Paul mentions Satan (compare Acts 26:18; Rom. 16:20; 1 Cor. 5:5; 7:5; 2 Cor. 2:11; 11:14; 12:7; 1 Thess. 2:18; 2 Thess. 2:9; 1 Tim. 1:20; 5:15). Satan was originally an angelic being who served God but turned into an enemy of God (compare Genesis 3; Job 1-2; Zechariah 3). For further details on Satan, refer to A. B. Davidson’s book OT Theology, pages 300-306. ↩︎
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