Timed Anger

(Proverbs 19:11 KJV)  The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

“Discretion” (7922) involves making decisions.  The decisions are based on values, information and character.  Rarely are we required to make blind choices.  The groundwork has already been laid and unlike the cop writing you a ticket when you did not know the speed limit, God can see your heart.

This points out that “anger” (639) is also a choice.  I don’t mean that first response down in our gut.  I mean the expression of that gut reaction.  There are times when it is appropriate.  Notice this verse does not say you never get angry.  It says it will be “slow” (748) in coming.  That speed is determined by our spiritual maturity.

So?  We are charged with growing spiritually.  That means controlling our anger and making sure that the target is deserving.  Sometimes it is sin to express anger.  Sometimes it is sin to not express anger.  We can learn the difference.