Template:DOD protected/July 19
July Scripture Portion for Bible Commentary : Psalms 103 - Isaiah 27 including the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs
- Psalms 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150
The theme of chapter 25 is anger. Notice that there is a righteous anger against sin. Verse 23 teaches that an angry look will silence a gossip. In Mark 3:5 Jesus "looked round about on them with anger." Paul advised us, in Ephesians 4:26, to "be ye angry, and sin not." Of course, our anger should be at sin and not at people.
Proverbs 27:4 warns us that anger is cruel and outrageous; it can lead to physical hurt and even murder (Matthew 5:22). Angry parents can permanently wound the body and emotions of a child. Sinful anger is of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21); it does not accomplish God's will (James 1:19,20). Satan gets into our lives through our angry words and attitudes (Ephesians 4:26,27); so God warns us to put off anger (Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:8). An angry man is a dangerous friend (Proverbs 22:24 and 29:22); an angry woman makes a poor wife (Proverbs 21:9 and 25:24).
Notice how we are to deal with anger, both in our lives and in the lives of others. Verse 8 tells us to show forth patience. Verses 15-28 tell us that we should also use gentleness. "A soft tongue breaketh the bone." We should also use kindness. Finally, we should use self-control. The Christian who practices self-control will not be destroyed by anger, nor will he destroy others. Compare verse 28 with chapter 16:32. "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.".
The ability to be angry about the right matters helps to build character; but, when anger causes our tempers to flare up, it becomes destructive. Godly anger is right, but unrighteous anger is like a forest fire when it gets out of control, and the destruction is devastating. Psalm 19:14 still applies, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.".
