The Cost of Misplaced Anger

by Rick Warren — June 23, 2018

“I’m a mess. I’m nothing and have nothing; make something of me. You [God] can do it; you’ve got what it takes” (Psalm 40:17 The Message).

Anger has a price tag. When you realize that truth, you’re more likely to control the anger in your life. The Bible tells us, “A hot-tempered man … gets into all kinds of trouble” (Proverbs 29:22 TLB). Most of us have seen someone do something really stupid because that person was angry.

The Bible is very specific on the cost of anger. The Bible says:

  • It causes arguments (Proverbs 15:18).
  • It causes mistakes (Proverbs 14:29).
  • It causes foolish things (Proverbs 14:17).

You’ve probably seen all of these results from your own anger and the anger of others. The Bible is also clear on the ultimate conclusion of our inappropriately expressed anger. Proverbs 11:29 says, “The fool who provokes his family to anger and resentment will finally have nothing worthwhile left.”

Think of the impact anger has on your family. As parents, we’re often tempted to use anger to motivate our children. It works in the short-term. When you get angry, you put the fear of God (or the fear of you) into your children. Your kids may give you short-term obedience, but you’ll lose in the long-term.

The end result of misplaced anger is alienation. You alienate the very people you love the most. Eventually, you’ll get more anger back and finally just apathy. No one wants to be around you.

The truth is, you always lose when you lose your temper. You may lose your reputation, your job, your children, or the love of your husband or wife when you don’t control your anger.

And it’s never worth that price tag.

Talk It Over

  • What are some examples of people you’ve seen become alienated from others because of their anger?
  • If you’ve sometimes exhibited misplaced anger, what were the costs in your life?
  • What is a practical way you can deal with your anger so that it does not cause pain for you or the people around you?

Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.