Anger of Man vs. Anger of God

Anger is increasingly on display in our culture. We see it expressed on social media and in public square. The Bible warns us “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Yehovah describes Himself as “slow to anger” (Exodus 34:6) and teaches us to “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). Clearly, there is a difference between the anger of man and the anger of God.

The American Psychological Association defines anger as “an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something.” By definition, antagonism is “active hostility or opposition.” The Greek word for anger in the Bible is orgé. It describes a settled or established opposition that comes from an ongoing or fixed opposition. It is not a sudden outburst. It describes God's fixed, controlled, passionate feeling against sin. A settled indignation.

Sin angers God. However, He does not respond to it with outbursts of anger. In the Bible God describes the consequences for sin and He exercises His justice calmly and when fully deserved. David (Psalm 73) and several of the prophets (Jeremiah 12:1; Habakkuk 1:13; Malachi 3:15) complained to God that He allowed the wicked to prosper. However, they also understood that the wicked “are doomed to destruction forever” (Psalm 92:7).

Man’s anger is in an immediate reaction to others for their actions. God’s anger is a predetermined response to the actions of others “The soul who sins will die” (Ezekiel 18:4). We get angry with the sinner. God hates the sin but loves the sinner.

God understands the horrors of hell more than any human does. Therefore, Jesus willingly came to earth to die an excruciating death to pay the penalty for our sins. Jesus did this because God loves us more than He hates our sin “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

When God judges the people of the world, He will exercise His justice and righteousness (Revelation 20:15). The harshness of the predetermined punishment causes Him to give us the maximum opportunity to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise [to return], as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”

“Do you think lightly of the riches of his kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans2:4). This is why man’s anger does not lead to God’s righteousness. God understands that we sin because we are slaves to sin and do what our mater compels us to do (John 8:34).

In this life, God is angry at sin. In eternity we will receive the predetermine punishment for sin if we do not accept Jesus as our Savior “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 5:23).