4:26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
Paul’s challenge is strikingly similar to Psalm 4:5, which states, “Be angry, and do not sin”. An allowance to be angry on the surface seems contradictory to the loving life to which we have been called. For example Ephesians 4:31 speaks against anger. It is important to note that there are 4 different words used for anger in the New Testament and all are forbidden except for one. Even in Ephesians 4:26 there are two different words for anger. One is allowed and the other is forbidden.
Anger that is allowed is of a righteous indignation. We should be angry against sinful acts. We should hat evil and be angry when it triumphs. Wuest writes: “A righteous wrath is acknowledged in Scripture as something that not only may but ought to be, and is seen in Christ Himself.”
This anger can shift into sin when we allow it to harbor ill will or negatively impact a relationship that should be driven by love. Romans 12:18 commands us to strive to live in peace. This daily commitment should result in efforts to make peace even before the end of the day.
Strive to live in peace, and walk in a way that hates sin!
Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Eph 4:26). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 4:26). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Leave a Reply