Definition and Nature:
Anger is an intense emotional response often characterized by feelings of displeasure, hostility, or antagonism towards someone or something perceived as having done wrong. Fury is an extreme form of anger, marked by a loss of self-control and intense rage. In the biblical context, both emotions are addressed with caution, as they can lead to sin if not managed properly.

Biblical References:

1. Human Anger:
· Ephesians 4:26-27 : "Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold." This passage acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion but warns against allowing it to lead to sin or giving the devil an opportunity to exploit it.
· James 1:19-20 : "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." Here, the emphasis is on self-control and the understanding that human anger does not produce the righteousness God seeks.

2. Divine Anger:
· Exodus 34:6-7 : "Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: 'The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished...'" This passage highlights God's nature as slow to anger, emphasizing His patience and mercy, yet also His justice.
· Romans 1:18 : "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness." God's anger is depicted as a response to sin and unrighteousness, demonstrating His holiness and justice.

3. Consequences of Anger:
· Proverbs 29:22 : "An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression." This proverb warns of the divisive and sinful nature of unchecked anger.
· Matthew 5:22 : "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell." Jesus teaches that anger can lead to severe spiritual consequences, equating it with the gravity of murder in the heart.

Management of Anger:
· Proverbs 15:1 : "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This proverb advises the use of gentle words to defuse anger and prevent escalation.
· Colossians 3:8 : "But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth." Believers are called to rid themselves of anger and related sins, reflecting a transformed life in Christ.

Examples of Anger in the Bible:
· Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:5-8): Cain's anger towards Abel led to the first murder, illustrating the destructive potential of unchecked anger.
· Moses (Exodus 32:19): Moses' anger burned hot when he saw the Israelites worshiping the golden calf, leading him to break the tablets of the covenant. His anger was righteous, yet it also demonstrated the need for self-control.

Theological Implications:
Anger, when aligned with God's righteousness, can be a force for justice and correction. However, human anger often stems from selfishness and pride, leading to sin. Believers are encouraged to emulate God's patience and mercy, being slow to anger and quick to forgive, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions with others.