Anger and First Murder (Genesis 4)
- When God did not look favorably on his offering, Cain felt upset and reacted with anger.
- Cain was driven by anger to the point of no return, and killed his brother.
Anger in Proverbs
- A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
- A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. (Proverbs 15:18)
- Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. (Proverbs 22:24-25)
- An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. (Proverbs 29:22)
Jesus’ Teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5)
- Jesus here pointed out the dangerous and destructive effect of human anger.
- Everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.
Paul’s Teaching on Anger
- Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
- Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19,21)
