Keep Anger From Stumbling You

"Take a deep breath!" "Count to ten!" "Bite your tongue!" Are these phrases familiar to you? Perhaps you recite them to yourself to calm an inner agitation. Some people, in an effort to prevent an angry outburst, go for a walk. These are simple ways to manage anger and preserve relationships with others.

In recent years, though, conflicting advice from professionals on whether anger should be controlled or suppressed leaves many confused. For example, some psychologists have advanced the theory that "if it makes you feel better," give vent to your anger. Others warn that regular outbursts of anger are "a stronger predictor of dying young than[are] other risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol." God's Word plainly states: "Let anger alone and leave rage; do not show yourself heated up only to do evil." (Psalm 37:8) Why does the Bible give such specific counsel?

Uncontrolled emotions lead to uncontrolled deeds. This became evident very early in man's history. We read: "Cain grew hot with great anger, and his countenance began to fall." Where did this lead him? His anger gripped him and took control, so much that it hardened his heart to Jehovah's admonition to turn to doing good. Cain's unbridled anger led him into grave sin-the murder of his brother. -Genesis 4:3-8.

Saul, the first king of Israel, was similarly overtaken when he heard David receive great praise. "The women that were celebrating kept responding and saying: "Saul has struck down his thousands and David his tens of thousands.' And Saul began to be very angry, and this saying was bad from his viewpoint." Anger so dominated Saul's thinking that it drove him to make several assassination attempts on David. Even though David made overtures for friendship, Saul was unwilling to pursue peace and reconciliation. Ultimately, he totally lost Jehovah's favor. - 1 Samuel 18:6-11; 19:9. 10; 24:1-21; Proverbs 6:34, 35.

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Watchtower, 1999