What does it mean to not let the sun go down on your anger?

Response

Ephesians 4:26–27 states, “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” (ESV).

Paul provides practical advice in the latter part of his letter to the Ephesians. Here, he encourages believers to speak truthfully to one another, manage anger without sinning, refrain from stealing, labor to share with those in need, use words to build up others, avoid grieving the Holy Spirit, put away harmful behaviors like anger, show kindness, and forgive others as God forgave them.

In Ephesians 4:26, we are instructed to “be angry, and yet do not sin” (ESV). This instruction likely alludes to Psalm 4:4, “Tremble and do not sin.” This psalm is sometimes known as “An Evening Prayer for Trust in God.” Verse 4 adds, “When you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” Perhaps this portion of the psalm was intended to help readers address any anger issues before bedtime. Paul uses this Old Testament passage as a basis for his directive to “not let the sun go down on your anger.”

Anger itself is not inherently sinful, but its expression determines its righteousness. Righteous anger against sin or injustice can be constructive. Jesus displayed righteous anger, notably when He cleansed the temple (John 2:13-16). However, anger often turns sinful when driven by selfishness and pride. When we are offended, we react impulsively, saying and doing things we shouldn’t. Anger stemming from our sinful nature is harmful and detrimental to others and ourselves.

Allowing anger to persist without addressing it in a righteous manner can lead to a sinful disposition. Our encouragement is to deal with anger promptly, resolving it in a way that aligns with godly principles.Do not let the sun go down on your anger or, as the NIV states, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Allowing anger to persist unreasonably gives the devil a foothold “neither give place to the devil.”, (Ephesians 4:27).

The Bible contains numerous warnings against the improper expression of anger. In the same chapter where we are advised not to let the sun set on our anger, we are instructed to rid ourselves of anger “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”, (Ephesians 4:31). James urges us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”, (James 1:19). David advises, “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil” “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”, (Psalm 37:8). Solomon imparts his wisdom: “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools” “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.”, (Ecclesiastes 7:9). The book of Proverbs reinforces the warnings about anger: “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly” “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”, (Proverbs 14:29), and “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is.

His glory is to overlook an offense” «The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; And it is his glory to pass over a transgression.», (Proverbs 19:11, ESV).

Anger must be controlled, and we should never use it to sin. If we do become angry, we should deal with the anger and its root quickly and then promptly put it away from our lives. We should strive to “keep short accounts” and forgive those we need to forgive in a timely manner—before the sun goes down. If we hold on to anger, we run the risk of bitterness and resentfulness, which provide the devil with a foothold in our lives. Unchecked anger among believers will break fellowship and bring damage to the church. We must be careful to heed the closing exhortation of Ephesians 4, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” «and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.», (Ephesians 4:32).