Anger: Right or Wrong?

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
Proverbs 29:11

In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 4:26-27

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
James 1:19-20

I am sure that many of us are familiar with the story of Jesus driving the money changers out of the temple area (Matthew 21:12-16; Luke 19:45-46; Mark 11:15-18; John 2:13-16). Jesus does not "look" or sound peaceful in the midst of this action. I think that most would agree that Jesus was angry about the whole situation. Along these lines there are many verses that speak about God's anger.

I find it interesting that anger is never described as an emotion that we should not have. It is clear to me that it is an emotion that we need to be very careful with. I believe that each of the above verses speak to the importance of maintaining balance and control in anger.

Anger can at times be a very difficult emotion for me to control. If I am tired, stressed, worn out, then I have even less ability to control my anger. I don't know about you, but it is certainly an emotion that can "sweep you away" with its raw power.

My prayer today is that God would enable me to exercise my anger appropriately and not sin in the expression of it. My prayer is that God would enable me to surrender to His control, and live in and by His Holy Spirit.