Movatterモバイル変換

◄ Anger: A Characteristic of Fools►

Jump to:Torrey's •Library •Subtopics •Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Anger, as depicted in the Bible, is often associated with folly and is considered a trait of those lacking wisdom and understanding. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature of anger and its consequences, particularly highlighting its association with foolishness.

Biblical References:

1.Proverbs 14:29 · "A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly." This verse contrasts patience with quick-temperedness, suggesting that those who are easily angered lack the understanding that characterizes the wise. The quick-tempered individual is seen as promoting folly, indicating that anger leads to irrational and unwise actions.

2.Proverbs 29:11 · "A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back." Here, the act of venting anger is directly linked to foolishness. The wise person exercises self-control, understanding the destructive potential of unchecked anger. This verse underscores the importance of restraint and the wisdom in managing one's emotions.

3.Ecclesiastes 7:9 · "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of fools." This passage warns against being easily provoked, as anger is said to reside with fools. The imagery of anger settling in the lap suggests that it becomes a part of the fool's nature, further entrenching them in their folly.

4.Proverbs 19:11 · "A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense." While not directly mentioning anger, this verse highlights the virtue of patience and the wisdom in overlooking offenses. It implies that those who are insightful and virtuous are less likely to succumb to anger, contrasting with the behavior of fools.

Theological Insights:

Anger, when uncontrolled, is seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature that believers are called to overcome. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, urging believers to rid themselves of anger. InEphesians 4:31, Paul writes, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." This directive aligns with the call to live a life marked by the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control and patience (Galatians 5:22-23).

Practical Implications:

The association of anger with foolishness serves as a cautionary principle for believers. It encourages the cultivation of patience, self-control, and understanding, virtues that are antithetical to the quick-temperedness of fools. By seeking wisdom and exercising restraint, believers can avoid the pitfalls of anger and its destructive consequences.

Conclusion:

The biblical portrayal of anger as a characteristic of fools serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of wisdom and self-control in the life of a believer. Through the guidance of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit, Christians are called to rise above the folly of anger, embodying the patience and understanding that reflect the character of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 12:16
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covers shame.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 14:29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 27:3
A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 7:9
Be not hasty in your spirit to be angry: for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

For Though a Man Should be by no Means Greatly Advantaged by...
... check, and not suffer himself to be carried rashly intoanger, the slaves of which
arefools.... This use of e ei ischaracteristic of Gregory Thaumaturgus...

Fourth Sunday after Easter Second Sermon.
... body and life; must be regarded asfools, as the... of which excludes error, stumbling,
anger, and any... not be the variation and instabilitycharacteristic of this...

A Bundle of Proverbs
... that hath it: but the instruction offools is folly... He that is slow toanger is better
than the... shall miss the force of its mostcharacteristic teaching unless...

The Unclean Spirits.
... Demon worship is acharacteristic of the three religions... kill by incantation any
person on whom theiranger may fall... and said "We are not suchfools." They used...

John i. 1
... the Prophets declares to be especiallycharacteristic of His... For victory in the case
ofanger is, not... not when thou conquerest honor fromfools, but consider...

New Teaching in Parables' - the Parables to the People by the Lake...
... told that similarly God gives not wisdom tofools, who would... Similarly, the expression,
gnashing of teeth,' chieflycharacteristic of theanger and jealousy...

The Paradoxes of Christianity
... that the accusations were false or the accusersfools.... in human history; because
hisanger had soaked... were told) were the onlycharacteristic Christians; and...

Life in India.
... of these days is very interesting and verycharacteristic.... namely, that these men
are notfools and that... consideration quell the tumult ofanger and impatience...

Significant Phrases
... ancient and venerable. anecdote and reminiscence.anger and fury.... character and
temperament.characteristic and complete.... folly and indecorum.fools and underlings...

The King James Version as English Literature
... or the falling of the countenance inanger, we would... That is thecharacteristic mark
of Hebrew poetry.... be for those: the wayfaring men, thoughfools, shall not...