The Cost of Anger

In Proverbs 14:29 I read, “People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.” (NLT)

When someone is angry with me, it’s easy to show anger in return. But before I allow myself to get mad back, I need to calculate what I’m going to lose. In other words, calculate the cost of anger.

The Bible is very specific about uncontrolled anger. Proverbs 29:22 says, “An angry person causes trouble; a person with a quick temper sins a lot” (NCV). In Proverbs 15:18, you read, “Hot tempers cause arguments” (GNT). And Proverbs 14:29 says, “A hot temper shows great foolishness” (NLT).

When I let anger take control, there is a cost. I’m going to get in trouble, my anger will cause arguments and make mistakes.

When I lose my temper, I always lose. I may lose someone’s respect, the love of my family, my health, or even my job.

Don’t use anger to motivate people to do the right thing. Don’t do it! I may get the short-term payoff. But in the long run, anger always produces more anger, more apathy, and more alienation.

How many kids have become alienated from a parent because of out-of-control anger? How many people have been alienated from a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a husband, a wife, or a friend because somebody lost their cool? Anger destroys relationships faster than anything else.

If I realize there’s always a price for returning anger for anger, I’m less likely to get angry when somebody’s pushing my buttons.

So before I retaliate, ask myself, “Do I really want to do this? Do I want to make mistakes? Do I want to sin more? Do I want to cause arguments? Do I want to act foolish?”

Proverbs 14:29 says, “People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness” (NLT).

Anger always comes with a price tag. Before I retaliate, calculate the cost. Then choose the wise path of controlling my anger.

In summary, if I’m a person of understanding, I can control my anger; for a hot temper wil show great foolishness on my part. When someone is angry with me, it’s easy to show anger in return. But before I respond, I need to calculate what I’m going to lose by returning anger. When I let anger take control, there is a cost. My anger will cause arguments and I’ll make mistakes. When I lose my temper, I will always lose. Also, I should never use anger to motivate people to do the right thing. Anger always produces more anger, more apathy, and more alienation. Anger destroys relationships faster than anything else. If I realize there’s always a price for returning anger for anger, I’m less likely to get angry. So before I retaliate, I should ask myself, Do I really want to do this? Do I want to make mistakes? Do I want to sin more? Do I want to cause arguments? Do I want to act foolish?” Anger always comes with a price tag. Before I retaliate, calculate the cost. Then choose the wise path of controlling my anger.

A quick temper on my part can be like a fire out of control. It can burn me and everyone else in its path. Anger divides people. It pushes me into hasty decisions that only cause bitterness and guilt. Yet anger, in itself, is not wrong. Anger can be a legitimate reaction to injustice and sin. When I feel myself getting angry, look for the cause. Am I reacting to an evil situation that I'm going to set right?  Or am I responding selfishly to a personal insult?  

Father, I need you. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can believe in, have faith and can trust you in everything, including being the authority for my life, my self-worth and my future. You have my best interests in mind. Help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. I want to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. Father, I ask you to help me control my quick temper, and to channel my feelings into effective action and conquering selfish anger through humility and repentance. I also ask you for wisdom and guidance in this for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, my preparation for a future job role and for leading a small group. I ask and pray these things through you Son Jesus’ name, Amen.