How Do We Avoid the Sneaky Sin of Wrath?

Traditional Christianity developed a list of seven deadly sins. The sin of wrath is particularly interesting because of tempting it is.

Merriam-Webster defines wrath as “strong vengeful anger or indignation or retributory punishment for an offense or a crime: divine chastisement.”

This act seeks to bring vengeful action in response to an offense or crime. Yet, as a deadly sin, this behavior brings death upon the one participating in wrath.

What makes the sin of wrath so deadly? And how can we avoid this sin?

What Does the Bible Say about the Sin of Wrath?

In biblical terms, wrath refers to intense and uncontrolled anger, often leading to destructive actions. Throughout the Scriptures, wrath is consistently portrayed as something to be avoided and replaced with virtues such as patience, forgiveness, and love.

One of the Bible’s central teachings about wrath appears in the New Testament:

“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)

This passage emphasizes why managing anger matters. We must not let it fester because unresolved anger can lead to sinful actions and allow evil forces to gain a foothold.

Proverbs also advises on wrath’s consequences. Proverbs 14:29: “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” This verse highlights the contrast between patience and a quick temper and associates wrath with foolishness and a lack of understanding.

Another pivotal passage on wrath is found in James:

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20)

Here, the emphasis is on being slow to anger because human anger often falls short of producing the behavior God wants from us. Wrath can be deceptive in this way. Responding to an offense or crime, we feel justified in acting from anger, but James tells us our wrath can’t produce righteousness, which makes it sin.

Another verse from Proverbs vividly describes what happens when we succumb to wrath:

“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” (Proverbs 15:18)

This verse underscores anger’s destructive nature. It not only causes internal turmoil. It stirs up conflict in relationships and communities.

The overarching message from these biblical passages is clear: wrath is a destructive force that hinders spiritual growth and disrupts harmonious relationships. Instead, the Bible encourages believers to cultivate virtues such as patience, forgiveness, and self-control. Ephesians 4:31-32 encapsulates this teaching, urging believers to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

What Does the Sin of Wrath Look Like?

The sin of wrath manifests in many destructive actions and behaviors—all stemming from intense and uncontrolled anger.

1. Explosive fury leading to verbal or physical aggression. Unbridled anger can escalate into conflicts, causing harm not only to the individual harboring wrath but also to those around them. Verbal outbursts, insults, and even physical violence are common expressions of this destructive aspect of wrath.
2. Harboring bitterness and resentment. Here, we see wrath revealed as a lingering, simmering anger festering over time, poisoning relationships and hindering personal growth. Bitterness can lead to grudges, a refusal to forgive, and hostility towards others.
3. Impatience. When individuals are quick to anger and lack patience, they exhibit a form of wrath that disrupts the peace and harmony advocated in biblical teachings. James 1:19-20 emphasizes that cultivating patience is key to avoiding wrath’s pitfalls.
4. Grumbling and complaining. Philippians 2:14-15 exhorts believers to “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure.” Grumbling and complaining reflect a discontented heart, a breeding ground for wrath. This behavior disrupts personal peace and spreads negativity to those in one’s surroundings.
5. A desire for revenge. Romans 12:19 advises believers, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Seeking revenge stems from a vengeful spirit that contradicts the Bible’s principles of forgiveness and justice.
6. Sulking or giving someone the silent treatment. People may attempt to punish others through rejection, silence, and lack of communication. Choosing silence as a response to anger rather than addressing issues with gentleness and understanding can lead to passive-aggressive wrath, creating tension and discord in relationships.

Why Is Wrath Considered a Deadly Sin?

The seven deadly sins are considered deadly because they have far-reaching destructive consequences on both individuals and communities, leading to spiritual and physical death.

At its core, wrath arises from uncontrolled and intense anger. When wrathful, people aren’t following the Spirit. They become enslaved to their feelings, seeking revenge against someone who has offended them. Our spiritual enemy can easily manipulate this situation to destroy everyone involved in the situation, leading to spiritual death. Or, in extreme cases, physical harm.

Merriam-Webster’s definition may be dry, but it gives us a clue about why the sin of wrath is deadly: divine chastisement. Only God can judge. He knows and sees all, even the deepest motivations. “Vengeance is mine,” God says (Romans 12:19). When people act in wrath, taking their own vengeance, they place themselves in God’s position. At the heart, this was the rebellious sin the Devil committed. Death comes from spiritual rebellion.

Upon seeking individual vengeance, people forget how God is merciful and forgiving. Human sin and rebellion mean that every person deserves God’s wrath (Ephesians 2:3). Yet, God initiated the way to bring us back into a relationship with him. He reconciles us through His Son’s death and resurrection.

Paul then instructs us to live like God, showing kindness to our enemies, not being overcome with evil (wrath) but overcoming evil with good.

Wrath’s spiritual consequences don’t just include a separation from Go. It also hinders our spiritual growth and from developing virtues such as patience, forgiveness, and love.

Furthermore, wrath is deadly in its impact on personal relationships. Uncontrolled anger disrupts the peace and harmony essential for healthy relationships. It can lead to verbal or physical confrontations, damaging the bonds between individuals and fostering an environment of discord. Wrath’s destructive ripple effect extends beyond the immediate moment of anger. It creates lasting wounds.

The concept of seven deadly sins emphasizes wrath has a cumulative effect on society. When individuals succumb to wrath, it contributes to a culture of conflict, hostility, and aggression. James addresses this collective impact:

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.” (James 4:1-2)

Wrath, when left unchecked, can escalate into larger societal issues, perpetuating cycles of violence and discord.

What Helps Us Avoid Committing the Sin of Wrath?

For Christians today, avoiding the sin of wrath involves a deliberate and conscientious effort to cultivate virtues that counteract anger’s destructive nature. Drawing guidance from biblical teachings and incorporating practical strategies, believers can develop a foundation for emotional control, patience, and forgiveness.

1. Remember that We Are Not God. First and foremost, we must remember God will repay all sin and rebellion in his time and his way. He alone is good and sovereign. No one else is just. We must trust God to act for the good of all, including us, when others offend or betray us, resting in his ability to work all things (not some) together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
2. Reflect on God’s Grace. All have sinned and are worthy of hell and God’s wrath. If we all got what we deserved, none would survive. But through God’s grace and love, he forgave and made a way through the Gospel for redemption instead of his wrath. Reflecting on our own sins and God’s love encourages a humble and compassionate attitude, countering the inclination towards wrath.
3. Foster a Forgiving Heart. Ephesians 4:31-32 advises us to be “kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Cultivating a forgiving heart involves letting go of grudges and resentments and recognizing forgiveness’s transformative power to keep anger from accumulating. With God’s indwelling Spirit, we can forgive others as God forgave us.
4. Cultivate Patience. One of the Bible’s central teachings on wrath is that patience matters. Along with forgiveness, God has also been longsuffering with us. Developing patience allows individuals to respond to challenging situations calmly and measuredly, making it far less likely they will succumb to uncontrolled anger.
5. Practice Self-Control. Let us not be enslaved to our emotions. The Spirit gives us the fruit of self-control, empowering us to avoid impulsive outbursts and respond with behavior that follows biblical principles.
6. Seek Spiritual Guidance. Regular engagement with spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, gathering with other believers, and studying the Scriptures, gives us the strength to overcome the temptation to show wrath. Seeking God’s guidance in angry moments allows believers to align their responses with divine wisdom and grace.
7. Promoting Open Communication: Proverbs 15:1 states, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Open communication, characterized by empathy and understanding, can diffuse potential conflicts before they escalate into anger. Choosing words carefully and actively listening to others contribute to a peaceful and harmonious exchange of ideas.
8. Implement Time-Outs. In moments of intense emotion, taking a step back and implementing a “time-out” can be a practical and effective strategy. This allows individuals to gain perspective, cool off, and reconsider their response before reacting angrily. Proverbs 14:29 supports this idea: “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”

Sin leads to more sin and death to more death.

When our emotions tempt us to act in wrath or vengeance for ourselves, let us take a break. The Scripture tells us to be still and know who God is (Psalm 46:10). In that stillness and communion with the Father, we are empowered to be peacemakers, not to bring more conflict and division. God is a peacemaker. We bring life to others when we trust him, just as he brought life to us.

Peace.

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/golubovy

Britt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non-fiction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight.