The Seriousness of Outbursts of Wrath (5/17/2026)

“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth” (Colossians 3:8).

In this and several other places where the Apostle Paul teaches Christians about the high standards of behavior they are to exhibit, he mentions anger and wrath. In fact, he deepens the difference between anger and wrath in some of his writing and labels the more severe emotion as “outbursts of wrath.”

“Anger” is a negative emotional response to a person or to a situation that has disturbed an individual whereas “outbursts of wrath” occur in a more agitated situation in which a person loses control and erupts spontaneously with neither forethought nor plan. These two sins are listed with other sins we consider quite heinous.

In writing to the Galatians (5:20-21), Paul says those who commit such acts will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. In writing to correct the Corinthians, he distinctly labels such acts as “sin” (2 Corinthians 12:21).

So, an “outburst of wrath” is in the same category as immorality, lying, bad language, and blasphemy. Such a realization should help us be cognizant of the need to weigh our responses to others and to situations carefully and to maintain control of our emotions at all times.