• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry"

Text: Ecclesiastes 7:9

THE PROBLEM OF ANGER

The problem with anger is not a recent thing. We read about “road rage”. We also read about “anger management”. These expressions highlight the danger associated with anger. Solomon related the problem of anger to the human “spirit”.

“Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry,
For anger rests in the bosom of fools.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9

1. “Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry”

a) The problem of anger may be traced to the spirit of a person.

b) The spirit describes the inner being of the individual.

c) Anger is an expression of the spirit.

d) The spirit within

i) It can be hasty.

ii) It can be impatient.

iii) It can be unbridled.

e) The control of anger

i) The human spirit must be addressed.

ii) It must be tempered and trained.

iii) If it is not governed well, it would easily give way to anger.

f) Anger has inherent dangers

i) Cain killed his brother because he had an angry spirit.

ii) The Book of Proverbs recorded sayings about anger.

“A wrathful man stirs up strife.”
Proverbs 15:18

“An angry man stirs up strife,
And a furious man abounds in transgression.”
Proverbs 29:22

iii) The Book of Proverbs also noted things about the spirit.

“Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, without walls.”
Proverbs 25:28

2. “For anger rests in the bosom of fools”

a) The spirit is closely related to “the heart”.

b) The heart is sometimes spoken of as “the bosom”.

c) Anger is often deep-seated.

i) It is found in the spirit.

ii) It rests in the bosom.

d) Fools are recognised fairly easily.

i) They reject the counsel of the Lord.

ii) Their hearts allow anger to rest therein.