Put Away Anger
(Ephesians 4:26-27)
Mike Johnson
In Ephesians 4:17-24, Paul speaks of the need for Christians to put off the “old man” (one’s former conduct) and put on the new man in Christ. Listed among the various sins that followers of God are to put away is anger. Verses 26-27 says, “Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” There are some crucial points about anger to learn from these two verses.
To begin with, many passages warn us about anger and its perils. In the Old Testament, Proverbs 16:32 says, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 instructs, “Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.” Various New Testament passages inform us that anger and wrath must be put away (Eph. 3:1, Col. 3:8).
Consider now a closer look at our text. The writer starts by saying, “Be angry, and do not sin (26a). First, this statement is not a commandment to be angry. Instead, it says that when you are mad, be sure and do not commit sin. The NIV says, “In your anger do not sin.” Also, the verses are saying that it is not necessarily a sin to become angry. We read elsewhere that Christ became angry as Mark 3:5 notes, “And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts . . . .” (Note also Jn. 2:14.) When a person is angry, what happens next is significant, as we will see.
The writer continues, “do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (26b). Here we learn that anger needs to end quickly. If not, it can generate hatred, bitterness, and resentment — it breaks down love and destroys peace and happiness. Sometimes, ending anger may also involve going to someone with love, kindness, and humility to rectify a situation. Regardless, we must focus on getting rid of our wrath.
There are actually two questions to consider. The first is, what do we do when we are angry? Then how long does our anger last? A woman once said that she gets mad a lot, but it only lasts for a short time. Someone responded, “A shotgun blast also lasts for a short time, and look at all of the damage it does.” Thus, put it away quickly and be careful what you say or do while you have it.
The reason for putting away anger is found in verse 27 when the writer continues, “nor give place to the devil.” The NIV translates, “and do not give the devil a foothold” (NASB “opportunity”). The Devil is strong enough (1 Pet. 5:8), so we do not want to give him a further advantage. We add to his strength when we are angry, especially when we hold on to it.
Anger can be compared to a person drinking alcohol. While drinking alcohol, people often say and do things they would typically not say or do, some of which may involve sin. Similarly, while in a state of anger, people will often commit unexpected sins. Thus, like drinking alcohol, our anger is a bonus for Satan. Anger, which can make us more prone to sin, can also be compared to a body with a low immune system, making it more susceptible to disease. The word “anger” is just one letter short of the word “danger.”
Consider a quotation from Barnes summarizing this verse.
When the sun sets on a man’s anger, he may be sure it is wrong. The meaning of the whole of this verse then is, If you be angry, which may be the case, and which may be unavoidable, see that the sudden excitement does not become sin. Do not let it overleap its proper bounds; do not cherish it; do not let it remain in your bosom even to the setting of the sun. Though the sun be sinking in the west, let not the passion linger in the bosom, but let his last rays find you always peaceful and calm.” (Barnes’ Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997-2014 by Biblesoft, Inc. )
In conclusion, we can become angry, but we must make sure that we do not sin while in that state, even though it may only last for a short time. Also, we must put away anger as quickly as possible. When people become Christians, they are to “seek those things which are above,” putting off sinful ways, and they are to put on holiness (Col. 3:1-17). Doing this includes properly handling our anger.