Topical Encyclopedia
Anger, a powerful and often destructive emotion, is frequently linked with pride in the biblical narrative. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how pride can fuel anger, leading to sin and separation from God.
Biblical Examples:1.
Cain and Abel: One of the earliest instances of anger connected with pride is found in the account of Cain and Abel. Cain's pride was wounded when God favored Abel's offering over his own. This prideful resentment led to anger, culminating in the murder of his brother.
Genesis 4:5-6 states, "but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen?'"
2.
King Saul: Saul's pride and jealousy towards David resulted in intense anger. As David's popularity grew, Saul's pride was threatened, leading to a deep-seated anger that drove him to seek David's life.
1 Samuel 18:8-9 records, "And Saul was very angry, and this song displeased him. 'They have ascribed to David tens of thousands,' he said, 'but to me they have ascribed only thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?' And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David."
3.
Haman: In the Book of Esther, Haman's pride was deeply wounded when Mordecai refused to bow to him. This slight to his ego incited a furious anger, leading Haman to plot the destruction of all the Jews in the Persian Empire.
Esther 3:5 notes, "When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel or pay him homage, he was filled with rage."
Teachings and Warnings:1.
Proverbs on Pride and Anger: The Book of Proverbs frequently warns against the dangers of pride and anger.
Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This proverb highlights the destructive path that pride can lead to, often manifesting in anger.
2.
James on Human Anger: The New Testament also addresses the issue of anger, particularly in relation to pride.
James 1:19-20 advises, "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 underscores the importance of humility and self-control in overcoming pride-induced anger.
3.
Jesus' Teachings: Jesus taught about the dangers of anger in the Sermon on the Mount. In
Matthew 5:22 , He warns, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." This teaching emphasizes the seriousness of anger and its potential to lead to sin, often rooted in prideful disputes.
Spiritual Implications:Pride, when unchecked, can lead to anger that disrupts relationships and hinders spiritual growth. The Bible consistently calls believers to humility, urging them to put aside pride and embrace a spirit of meekness.
Ephesians 4:31-32 encourages, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you."
In summary, the connection between anger and pride is a recurring theme in Scripture, serving as a cautionary tale for believers to guard their hearts against the destructive power of these intertwined sins.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 21:24Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who deals in proud wrath.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Whether Reviling Arises fromAnger?
... Now reviling is closelyconnected withanger's end, which is revenge... Therefore reviling
arises chiefly fromanger.... is not directed to the end ofpride which is...
How Six of These Faults are Related, and the Two which Differ from...
...anger must first be expelled: in order to quellanger, covetousness must... But the
two remaining faults; viz., vainglory andpride, areconnected together in...
But we Need no Longer Show in this Narrow Way the Drawback of this...
... the sins of mankind, such as avarice, envy,anger, hatred, and... of sin; but it is
from reasonsconnected with marriage that thispride mostly begins....
Of Evil Angels
... ever since they are full ofpride, arrogance, haughtiness... by, or at leastconnected
with, some... and joy; impatience, ill nature,anger, resentment, " opposite...
Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing.
... second, and which is in Scripture speciallyconnected with the... called temper, with
its fruits ofanger and strife... to ourselves it is seen aspride, ambition, or...
The True and Chaste virgins Few; Chastity a Contest; Thekla
... these pure, but not the mind, defiling it withpride andanger.... vehement lascivious
desires constituted chastity, neglecting other dutiesconnected with it...
The King --Continued.
... we have relics of the joyful ceremonialconnected with it in... like her father's in
its measurelesspride, and in... hiss with scorn, his flame withanger and rebuke...
The Sixth vision "In Heaven"
... this song," and it is as muchconnected with Miriam... of the Lord, to provoke him to
anger through the... Theirpride: forsaking of God; despising the Rock of their...
Wandering Thoughts
... Nearly related to these, and frequentlyconnected with them, are proud and vain... 2.
The case is the same in other instances:Pride,anger, revenge, vanity, lust...
Concerning Man.
... by grace, but flesh by overweeningpride: spirit that... over and above these links
man isconnected with unreasoning animals by appetite, that isanger and desire...
Resources
What does the Bible say about anger? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to not let the sun go down on your anger? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it says in your anger do not sin (Ephesians 4:26)? | GotQuestions.orgAnger: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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