JULY 19

The theme of chapter 25 is anger. Notice that there is a
righteous anger against sin. Verse 23 teaches that an angry look
will silence a gossip. In Mark 3:5 Jesus “looked round about on them
with anger.” Paul advised us, in Ephesians 4:26, to “be ye angry,
and sin not.” Of course, our anger should be at sin and not at
people.

Proverbs 27:4 warns us that anger is cruel and outrageous;
it can lead to physical hurt and even murder (Matthew 5:22). Angry
parents can permanently wound the body and emotions of a child.
Sinful anger is of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21); it does not
accomplish God’s will (James 1:19,20). Satan gets into our lives
through our angry words and attitudes (Ephesians 4:26,27); so God
warns us to put off anger (Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:8). An angry
man is a dangerous friend (Proverbs 22:24 and 29:22); an angry woman
makes a poor wife (Proverbs 21:9 and 25:24).

Notice how we are to deal with anger, both in our lives and
in the lives of others. Verse 8 tells us to show forth patience.
Verses 15-28 tell us that we should also use gentleness. “A soft
tongue breaketh the bone.” We should also use kindness. Finally, we
should use self-control. The Christian who practices self-control
will not be destroyed by anger, nor will he destroy others. Compare
verse 28 with chapter 16:32. “He that is slow to anger is better
than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a
city.”

The ability to be angry about the right matters helps to
build character; but, when anger causes our tempers to flare up, it
becomes destructive. Godly anger is right, but unrighteous anger is
like a forest fire when it gets out of control, and the destruction
is devastating. Psalm 19:14 still applies, “Let the words of my
mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O
Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”