Is Anger "Inherently Evil" according to the Bible?

[RandomFollowerofJesus]

Is anger "inherently Evil" according to the Bible?

Some say no but...

Personally, I think anger is Evil.

- I think it is wrong when people say that anger can be used for Good.
- Anger is inherently Evil so using anger is not Good.

Here are a few reasons why, although there are at least a few reasons more.

Main Argument:
Anger is inherently Evil. Many Bible verses suggest that anger is not merely a neutral feeling but a manifestation of Evil that believers are commanded to remove rather than use or redirect.


Argument with Verses and Explanations:

1. Matthew 5:22
   "Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."
   Explanation: Anger itself, even without outward violence, is a moral failure that puts one under judgment. This shows anger is evil at its root.
   
   
2. James 1:20
   "Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."
   Explanation: Anger cannot lead to holiness or good behavior. It is incompatible with God’s righteousness.
   
   
3. Galatians 5:19–21
   "The works of the flesh include hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition, and fits of anger... Those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
   Explanation: Anger is classified as a work of the flesh—sinful and corrupting, not something to be used positively.
   
   
4. Ecclesiastes 7:9
   "Do not be quick to become angry, because anger settles in the heart of fools."
   Explanation: Anger is a mark of foolishness and lack of wisdom, not strength.
   
   
5. Colossians 3:8
   "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language."
   Explanation: Believers are commanded to remove anger completely, not manage or use it.
   
   
6. Genesis 4:6–7
   "If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it."
   Explanation: Anger is portrayed as a predatory force that seeks control. Cain is warned to master anger or be overcome by it.

Even the example of Jesus “walking with anger” in Mark 3:5 shows anger paired with grief, without loss of self-control or sinful intent. His anger is divine zeal and righteous sorrow, not human passion to be emulated.


Therefore, from my perspective, biblically, anger is consistently portrayed as evil, a work of the flesh, or a corrupting force to be overcome.

Therefore, using anger for motivation is akin to using hatred or jealousy for good, which Scripture consistently condemns.

The biblical call is to reject anger and seek self-control, love, and patience as the proper response.




Thank you for your consideration of the question, I appreciate those who answered my last question.
Thank you all for being here.

 

[tourist]

Jesus was angry in the temple when he overturned the tables of the money changers and drove them out with whips. He was zealous for the house of his Father.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

"Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."

This version is not in all bibles. Some include "without cause" after angry, which really makes more sense

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

Galatians 5:19–21
"The works of the flesh include hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition, and fits of anger... Those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

I cannot find this in any translation to be able to know which word "fits of anger" is to be able to check its actual meaning.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

Even the example of Jesus “walking with anger” in Mark 3:5 shows anger paired with grief, without loss of self-control or sinful intent. His anger is divine zeal and righteous sorrow, not human passion to be emulated.

Self-control is key. Anger at ungodliness and unrighteous and evil is good

 

[Karlon]

Ephesians 4:26- "be ye angry & sin not, let not the sun go down upon your wrath". anger can be turned into a lesson. when people become born again, they learn how to control anger. so an occurrence leading to anger just may be the incident that leads to correction. also, Ecclesiastes 7:9 teaches "be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry, for anger resteth in the bosom of fools". as soon as anger is recognized in your mind, a Christian will apply wisdom & control the anger & halt it from blossoming. Proverbs 29:11- " a fool uttereth all his mind but a wise man keepeth it until afterward". & then we all have Romans 8:28, a very popular verse, teaching us- "and we know all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His Spirit".

 

[jassie]

I don't know, but God's word says that in the book of James 1:20, that human anger doesn't achieve God's righteous purpose

 

[Cameron143]

Anger can be righteous anger, though seldom is.

 

[Karlon]

at the end, i should have posted, "according to His purpose".

 

[studentoftheword]

There is righteous anger and righteous Judgment both of these keeps you sin free and brings you to the right end
Worldly anger and worldly judgment will lead you into sin and brings you to a wrong outcome ----

The Role of Righteous Anger
https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_role_of_righteous_anger.htm

Topical Encyclopedia
Righteous anger, often referred to as "holy indignation," is a concept in the Bible that describes a form of anger that is justified and aligned with God's will. This type of anger is distinct from human anger, which can often be tainted by sin, selfishness, or a lack of control. Righteous anger is rooted in a deep sense of justice and a desire to uphold God's standards.

Biblical Examples of Righteous Anger

One of the most prominent examples of righteous anger in the Bible is found in the life of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus displays righteous anger when He cleanses the temple in Jerusalem. The temple had been turned into a marketplace, and Jesus, zealous for His Father's house, drove out the money changers and merchants. John 2:15-16 states, "So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those selling doves He said, 'Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a marketplace!'"

Another example is found in the Old Testament with Moses. When Moses descended from Mount Sinai and saw the Israelites worshiping the golden calf, he was filled with righteous anger. Exodus 32:19 recounts, "As Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned, and he threw the tablets out of his hands, shattering them at the base of the mountain." Moses' anger was directed at the people's idolatry and their breach of the covenant with God.

Characteristics of Righteous Anger

Righteous anger is characterized by its alignment with God's holiness and justice. It is not self-centered but is concerned with the violation of God's laws and the harm done to others. This type of anger is controlled and purposeful, seeking to correct wrongs and restore righteousness. Ephesians 4:26 advises, "Be angry, yet do not sin." This verse underscores the idea that anger itself is not sinful, but it must be managed in a way that does not lead to sin.

The Purpose of Righteous Anger

The purpose of righteous anger is to bring about justice and correction. It serves as a catalyst for action against sin and injustice. In the prophetic books, the anger of God is often depicted as a response to the persistent sin and rebellion of His people. For instance, in the book of Amos, God's anger is directed at the social injustices and idolatry of Israel. Amos 5:24 declares, "But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."

Guidelines for Exercising Righteous Anger

Believers are called to exercise righteous anger with caution and discernment. James 1:19-20 provides guidance: "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." This passage emphasizes the importance of being slow to anger and ensuring that one's anger aligns with God's righteousness.

Furthermore, righteous anger should lead to constructive outcomes. It should motivate believers to address injustices, advocate for the oppressed, and seek reconciliation. It is essential that righteous anger is expressed in love and with the aim of restoring relationships and upholding God's truth.

In summary, righteous anger is a powerful and necessary response to sin and injustice when it is aligned with God's will and exercised with wisdom and love.

 

[ResidentAlien]

I don't know, but God's word says that in the book of James 1:20, that human anger doesn't achieve God's righteous purpose

Amen. I don't know if it's "inherently evil," but scripture teaching is clear it's not a fruit of the Spirit.

 

[Dino246]

Is anger "inherently Evil" according to the Bible?

Some say no but...

Personally, I think anger is Evil.

- I think it is wrong when people say that anger can be used for Good.
- Anger is inherently Evil so using anger is not Good.

Here are a few reasons why, although there are at least a few reasons more.

Main Argument:
Anger is inherently Evil. Many Bible verses suggest that anger is not merely a neutral feeling but a manifestation of Evil that believers are commanded to remove rather than use or redirect.


Argument with Verses and Explanations:

1. Matthew 5:22
   "Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."
   Explanation: Anger itself, even without outward violence, is a moral failure that puts one under judgment. This shows anger is evil at its root.
   
   
2. James 1:20
   "Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."
   Explanation: Anger cannot lead to holiness or good behavior. It is incompatible with God’s righteousness.
   
   
3. Galatians 5:19–21
   "The works of the flesh include hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition, and fits of anger... Those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
   Explanation: Anger is classified as a work of the flesh—sinful and corrupting, not something to be used positively.
   
   
4. Ecclesiastes 7:9
   "Do not be quick to become angry, because anger settles in the heart of fools."
   Explanation: Anger is a mark of foolishness and lack of wisdom, not strength.
   
   
5. Colossians 3:8
   "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language."
   Explanation: Believers are commanded to remove anger completely, not manage or use it.
   
   
6. Genesis 4:6–7
   "If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it."
   Explanation: Anger is portrayed as a predatory force that seeks control. Cain is warned to master anger or be overcome by it.

Even the example of Jesus “walking with anger” in Mark 3:5 shows anger paired with grief, without loss of self-control or sinful intent. His anger is divine zeal and righteous sorrow, not human passion to be emulated.


Therefore, from my perspective, biblically, anger is consistently portrayed as evil, a work of the flesh, or a corrupting force to be overcome.

Therefore, using anger for motivation is akin to using hatred or jealousy for good, which Scripture consistently condemns.

The biblical call is to reject anger and seek self-control, love, and patience as the proper response.




Thank you for your consideration of the question, I appreciate those who answered my last question.
Thank you all for being here.

One plausible example is enough to refute your position.

If you find someone committing rape on your wife or daughter, you should be angry.

 

[PennEd]

Is anger "inherently Evil" according to the Bible?

Some say no but...

Personally, I think anger is Evil.

- I think it is wrong when people say that anger can be used for Good.
- Anger is inherently Evil so using anger is not Good.

Here are a few reasons why, although there are at least a few reasons more.

Main Argument:
Anger is inherently Evil. Many Bible verses suggest that anger is not merely a neutral feeling but a manifestation of Evil that believers are commanded to remove rather than use or redirect.


Argument with Verses and Explanations:

1. Matthew 5:22
   "Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."
   Explanation: Anger itself, even without outward violence, is a moral failure that puts one under judgment. This shows anger is evil at its root.
   
   
2. James 1:20
   "Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."
   Explanation: Anger cannot lead to holiness or good behavior. It is incompatible with God’s righteousness.
   
   
3. Galatians 5:19–21
   "The works of the flesh include hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition, and fits of anger... Those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
   Explanation: Anger is classified as a work of the flesh—sinful and corrupting, not something to be used positively.
   
   
4. Ecclesiastes 7:9
   "Do not be quick to become angry, because anger settles in the heart of fools."
   Explanation: Anger is a mark of foolishness and lack of wisdom, not strength.
   
   
5. Colossians 3:8
   "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language."
   Explanation: Believers are commanded to remove anger completely, not manage or use it.
   
   
6. Genesis 4:6–7
   "If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it."
   Explanation: Anger is portrayed as a predatory force that seeks control. Cain is warned to master anger or be overcome by it.

Even the example of Jesus “walking with anger” in Mark 3:5 shows anger paired with grief, without loss of self-control or sinful intent. His anger is divine zeal and righteous sorrow, not human passion to be emulated.


Therefore, from my perspective, biblically, anger is consistently portrayed as evil, a work of the flesh, or a corrupting force to be overcome.

Therefore, using anger for motivation is akin to using hatred or jealousy for good, which Scripture consistently condemns.

The biblical call is to reject anger and seek self-control, love, and patience as the proper response.




Thank you for your consideration of the question, I appreciate those who answered my last question.
Thank you all for being here.

This is tantamount to saying all emotions are evil.

Is being fearful evil? At times yes, at times no.
Is being happy evil? At times yes, at times no.
Is feeling shame evil? At times yes, at times no.

Even emotions like jealousy may not always be evil.

God says He is a Jealous God.
God expresses anger all through the Bible.
Here's just ONE of many places:
Isaiah 5:25 (NKJV) states: "Therefore the anger of the Lord is aroused against His people; He has stretched out His hand against them And stricken them, Aand the hills trembled. Their carcasses were as refuse in the midst of the streets. For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still."

Is the OP trying to suggest that emotions God has are evil?

Not sure, but we could have a thread bomb thrower here.
Private account - Check
1 post with no responses to others - Check
2 minimal posts since joining - Check

I could be wrong though. We'll see


It's ridiculous.

 

[Blue155]

If a man is looking at a woman, is that inherently evil? Answer that and you’ve answered your own question. It’s not the anger that’s sinful. It’s what you do with it that is. Same for if a man looks at a woman. It’s not sinful to do that. It’s what he does with the look that is.

 

[GWH]

Self-control is key. Anger at ungodliness and unrighteous and evil is good

Yes, righteous anger is a logical decision rather than an emotional rant (Eph. 4:26).

 

[tablet123]

Anger is an emotion that can pop up like a temptation but temptation is not a sin if not played upon.

And anger is not a sin if not played upon in a negative manner.

Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.

Psa 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

It is alright to be angry for people will offend us and others that we do not like but do not sin because of it.

And do not linger in anger but let it go for we also have to forgive.

They may raise taxes or raise our rent which would make us angry which is alright but do not show up at their house with a baseball bat.

Anger is an emotion like happiness, and sadness.

And who is angry over positive things but negative.

Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.

A person may offend us making us angry but if we are angry at them without a cause that is wrong.

Col 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Col 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Not only are children to obey their parents but parents have a responsibility to behave right or their children might not want to obey them and be angry.

Which would lessen the impact of wrong doing on the children's part of not obeying their parents.

And that is what happened because of the 1960's counterculture movement.

It increased immorality, and Christian principles.

So a lot of parents do not act right loving alcohol, drugs, stealing, driving drunk, cussing, belittling the neighbors, short with the children, bad tempered, and such behavior.

So the children do not respect their parents with the attitude you do not know how to act right and you are going to tell me how to act.

And the age of the children goes from 16 and 17 disobeying down to 3 to 5.

Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Eph 6:2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise).

The first commandment with promise for if they obey their parents they are more likely to obey authority and live for God.

But the 1960's counterculture movement with rebelling against all authority including parents slowed down that promise.

And we see the results today and the direction the world will go.

Pro 30:11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
Pro 30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
Pro 30:13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
Pro 30:14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

And there it is the last generation.

Pro 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

And especially watch out for women who can muster up 15 times the intensity of anger than a man or child's anger.

Proven in biology, science, mathematics, and studies of various sorts.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned is said for a reason.

But I joke.

 

[Suze]

Anger is an emotion that can pop up like a temptation but temptation is not a sin if not played upon.

And anger is not a sin if not played upon in a negative manner.

Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.

Psa 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

It is alright to be angry for people will offend us and others that we do not like but do not sin because of it.

And do not linger in anger but let it go for we also have to forgive.

They may raise taxes or raise our rent which would make us angry which is alright but do not show up at their house with a baseball bat.

Anger is an emotion like happiness, and sadness.

And who is angry over positive things but negative.

Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.

A person may offend us making us angry but if we are angry at them without a cause that is wrong.

Col 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Col 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Not only are children to obey their parents but parents have a responsibility to behave right or their children might not want to obey them and be angry.

Which would lessen the impact of wrong doing on the children's part of not obeying their parents.

And that is what happened because of the 1960's counterculture movement.

It increased immorality, and Christian principles.

So a lot of parents do not act right loving alcohol, drugs, stealing, driving drunk, cussing, belittling the neighbors, short with the children, bad tempered, and such behavior.

So the children do not respect their parents with the attitude you do not know how to act right and you are going to tell me how to act.

And the age of the children goes from 16 and 17 disobeying down to 3 to 5.

Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Eph 6:2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise).

The first commandment with promise for if they obey their parents they are more likely to obey authority and live for God.

But the 1960's counterculture movement with rebelling against all authority including parents slowed down that promise.

And we see the results today and the direction the world will go.

Pro 30:11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
Pro 30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
Pro 30:13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
Pro 30:14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

And there it is the last generation.

Pro 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

And especially watch out for women who can muster up 15 times the intensity of anger than a man or child's anger.

Proven in biology, science, mathematics, and studies of various sorts.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned is said for a reason.

But I joke.

There is nothing more terrifying than the anger of a middle aged woman it's had a long time to build up

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Is anger "inherently Evil" according to the Bible?

Some say no but...

Personally, I think anger is Evil.

- I think it is wrong when people say that anger can be used for Good.
- Anger is inherently Evil so using anger is not Good.

Here are a few reasons why, although there are at least a few reasons more.

Main Argument:
Anger is inherently Evil. Many Bible verses suggest that anger is not merely a neutral feeling but a manifestation of Evil that believers are commanded to remove rather than use or redirect.


Argument with Verses and Explanations:

1. Matthew 5:22
   "Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."
   Explanation: Anger itself, even without outward violence, is a moral failure that puts one under judgment. This shows anger is evil at its root.
   
   
2. James 1:20
   "Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."
   Explanation: Anger cannot lead to holiness or good behavior. It is incompatible with God’s righteousness.
   
   
3. Galatians 5:19–21
   "The works of the flesh include hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition, and fits of anger... Those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
   Explanation: Anger is classified as a work of the flesh—sinful and corrupting, not something to be used positively.
   
   
4. Ecclesiastes 7:9
   "Do not be quick to become angry, because anger settles in the heart of fools."
   Explanation: Anger is a mark of foolishness and lack of wisdom, not strength.
   
   
5. Colossians 3:8
   "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language."
   Explanation: Believers are commanded to remove anger completely, not manage or use it.
   
   
6. Genesis 4:6–7
   "If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it."
   Explanation: Anger is portrayed as a predatory force that seeks control. Cain is warned to master anger or be overcome by it.

Even the example of Jesus “walking with anger” in Mark 3:5 shows anger paired with grief, without loss of self-control or sinful intent. His anger is divine zeal and righteous sorrow, not human passion to be emulated.


Therefore, from my perspective, biblically, anger is consistently portrayed as evil, a work of the flesh, or a corrupting force to be overcome.

Therefore, using anger for motivation is akin to using hatred or jealousy for good, which Scripture consistently condemns.

The biblical call is to reject anger and seek self-control, love, and patience as the proper response.




Thank you for your consideration of the question, I appreciate those who answered my last question.
Thank you all for being here.

How do you reconcile the fact that God is angry with the wicked every day?

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Anger can be righteous anger, though seldom is.

14And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; 16And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. 17And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Is anger "inherently Evil" according to the Bible?

Some say no but...

Personally, I think anger is Evil.

- I think it is wrong when people say that anger can be used for Good.
- Anger is inherently Evil so using anger is not Good.

Here are a few reasons why, although there are at least a few reasons more.

Main Argument:
Anger is inherently Evil. Many Bible verses suggest that anger is not merely a neutral feeling but a manifestation of Evil that believers are commanded to remove rather than use or redirect.

There's a lot written on the topic of anger in the Bible. It can be misapplied and be sinful.
Otherwise it is also completely relevant and holy.
There are scores of examples of anger starting with Genesis chapter 3. By chapter 6 God is fed up with mankind, decided to destroy it and start over with Noah's family. The end of the Bible, the wrath of Jesus is unleashed upon the people of the Earth without mixture of mercy.

These days, we can find pastors of some churches skipping the Bible and going straight to their authority, "master Yoda."

>Beware of False Prophets, Wolves in Sheep's Clothing<