MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 29:22 “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.”

Angry people usually justify their anger, saying it’s someone else’s fault they are angry. Yet the Bible repeatedly warns us against giving in to anger when we are upset by other people’s words or actions.

There is such a thing as righteous anger. (Even at these times, we must exercise self-control.) Yet most of the time, our anger is not righteous. “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20). We all know that man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

When we give in to anger, we often focus on our own welfare, comfort or happiness. Instead, we should be primarily concerned about other people’s welfare and being a good witness for God.

  1. Who got angry (wroth) in Genesis 4:3-6? __________________. According to Genesis 4:8, what did he do because of his anger? __________________________________________
  • Who got angry in Numbers 20:7-12? ____________________. What did he do because of his anger? __________________________________________________________.

(His anger and lack of faith cost him entering the Promised Land.)

  • Who got angry in Esther 3:5? ____________________. What did he want to do because of his anger and wrath? __________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Handling anger is an important life skill. Christian counselors report that 50 percent of people who come in for counseling have problems dealing with anger.

Anger can shatter communication and tear apart relationships, and it ruins both the joy and health of many. Sadly, people tend to justify their anger instead of accepting responsibility for it.

Everyone struggles, to varying degrees, with anger.

Thankfully, God’s Word contains principles regarding how to handle anger in a godly manner, and how to overcome sinful anger.

FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW

Proverbs 19:19a, “A man of great __________ shall suffer _________________…”                                  Make it personal – ”If I have great wrath, I will suffer punishment.”

REFLECT ON THE RESULTS OF ANGER

  1. ANGER HURTS RELATIONSHIPS — Proverbs 29:22 “An _____________ man stirreth up strife, and a __________________ man aboundeth in transgression.”
  2. ANGER HURTS YOUR HEALTH — Proverbs 17:22 “A __________________ heart doeth good like a medicine:…”
  3. ANGER CAUSES FOOLISH BEHAVIOR — Proverbs 14:17 “He that is ______________ angry dealeth __________________________: and a man of wicked devices is hated.”
  4. ANGER OPENS THE DOOR TO SATAN — Proverbs 29:22b “…and a furious man ____________________________ in transgression.”

REPENT OF YOUR SIN OF ANGER

Proverbs 27:4a “Wrath is cruel, and anger is ________________________…”

RESTRAIN OUR REACTIONS

  1. WATCH OUR WORDS – Proverbs 10:19 — “In the multitude of __________ there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his _____________ is wise.”
  2. HANDLE OUR HURTS – Proverbs 12:16b “…but a ________________ man covereth shame.”
  3. HOLD BACK OUR HOSTILITY – Proverbs 12:16a — “A fool’s __________________ is presently known;…”
  4. ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO CONTROL YOU – Proverbs 27:3 — “A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a _______________ wrath is heavier than them both.”

Gracious God, Sometimes when I do not get my way or I am not treated as I think I should be treated anger comes to the surface of my life and my emotions swirl with the force of a small cyclone. Sometimes I get hot, and sometimes, I just turn silent. I pray that I as think on your great love and goodness to me it will burn away my anger and leave me settled in the cool breeze of your presence. In Jesus name, Amen.

REMEMBER…You are a burden and oppressive and foolish when angry.

Be healthy and a blessing and a joy by controlling your anger.