Is Anger a sin?

[AgnosticBoy]

A lot of people view anger is a negative emotion. Speaking from personal experience, some times anger has made me do and say stupid things. I've seen others do bad things, like road rage, etc. I would say anger can also turn into hate. So I'm curious about the biblical position on anger.


What does the Bible say about anger? Is it a sin?

 

[Scooter]

No, anger is not a sin. Jesus became angry: Mark 3:5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. The Bible said God will pour out His wrath: Romans 2:6-9.

Anger is an emotion given to us by God, Himself. It’s how we respond to anger that can be sinful. Reacting in violence is obviously sinful. However, anger can motivate us to right wrongs done to others and prevent those wrongs from happening again.

 

[AgnosticBoy]

Good points, Scooter.

I would think that the # of times someone gets angry might become a problem also. Like those who are always angry or quick-tempered.

Proverbs 22:24

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered,

There's also James 1:19-20 (NIV) which on the surface... some might say it conflicts with your point...

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Did some reading around, and so far I'm getting that the passage talks about "human" anger and that it's different than "Godly" anger. I would also find it funny that vs. 19 says be "slow to anger". If anger was a sin, then it would say don't be angry at all.

 

[Scooter]

I would also find it funny that vs. 19 says be "slow to anger". If anger was a sin, then it would say don't be angry at all.

Exactly. Anger is like a warning light on your car telling you something is wrong.