This seemingly contradictory statement comes from Psalms 4:4:
Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.
So anger isn’t a bad thing? Not inherently; I guess it depends on what you’re angry about, and how you respond.
I get angry, usually for the wrong reasons (ever drive in or around metro-Atlanta?), and my response is often not appropriate…to my shame…
But here it says yes, it's okay to be angry (for the right reasons)… but be angry without sin (that’s the hard part)! And then, in Psalms it says “Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still”.
When we get angry for the right reasons (like Jesus driving out the vendors from the temple – i.e. “Righteous Anger” - see Luke 19:46), we can be angry and not sin. When we get angry for the wrong reasons (like me in traffic), it’s nearly impossible to not sin.
So next time your in-laws come, or that one guy at work, or your high-maintenance friend… maybe try repeating this under your breath…
Be angry, do not sin, meditate, and be still.
Be angry, do not sin, meditate, and be still.
Be angry, do not sin, meditate, and be still.