HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 30
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Anger continued
ourselves; God’s anger burns against evil and becomes a cleansing fire. The fires of
our anger may aggravate our sinfulness and self-righteousness. His anger burns away
sinfulness and allows the “gold” to emerge and make us fit for the Master’s use.
Why do we usually get angry?
• NU MB E R S 2 2 :2 9 | “You have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. (See note on
page 144.)
We get angry when our pride is hurt.
• G E NE S I S 4 :4 -5 | The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his
gift. This made Cain very angry.
We get angry when someone else is preferred or acknowledged over us.
• 2 C H R O NI C L E S 2 6 :1 8 -1 9 | “Get out of the sanctuary, for you have sinned. . . .” Uzziah, who
was holding an incense burner, became furious. (See note on page 404.)
• E ST H E R 3 :2 -5 | But Mordecai refused to bow down or show [Haman] respect. . . . [Haman]
was filled with rage.
We get angry when we don’t get our way.
• 1 S A MU E L 1 8 :8 | This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit
David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him
their king!”
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We get angry when we become jealous of what others have or have done.
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• 2 C H R O NI C L E S 1 6 :7 -1 0 | “Because you have put your trust in the king of Aram instead
of in the Lord your God, you missed your chance to destroy the army of the king of Aram.”
. . . Asa became so angry with Hanani for saying this that he threw him into prison. (See
note on page 396.)
We get angry when we are confronted about our sinful actions and are exposed.
What are the effects of anger?
• G E NE S I S 2 7 :4 1 -4 3 | Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing.
And Esau began to scheme: . . . “I will kill my brother, Jacob.” But Rebekah heard about
Esau’s plans. So she sent for Jacob and told him, “. . . Flee.”
Anger isolates us from others.
• PSA L M 3 7 :8 | Stop being angry! . . . Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.
• J A ME S 1 :2 0 | Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
Anger produces ungodly actions and evil motives in us.
• 1 S A MU E L 2 0 :3 0 -3 1 | Saul boiled with rage at Jonathan. . . . “As long as that son of Jesse
is alive, you’ll never be king. Now go and get him so I can kill him!”
Anger blinds us to what is really good and right. Saul’s jealous anger blinded him to the
fact that God had already chosen David to be the next king because of his godly character.
Anger in its strongest form can lead to murder.
• PR O V E R B S 1 5 :1 | A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
Anger leads to conflict and arguments.
When I am angry, what should I avoid?
• E PH E S I A NS 6 :4 | Do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them.
Avoid discipline in the heat of anger.
• J A ME S 3 :5 | The tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can
set a great forest on fire.
Avoid speaking your mind when you are angry. You are likely to say something you will regret.
• 1 S A MU E L 1 9 :9 -1 0 | As David played his harp, Saul hurled his spear at David.
Avoid acting on impulse in the heat of anger. You are likely to do something you will regret.