Readings from the Old Testament / Hebrew Scriptures

A spirit of jealousy is often behind our anger.

After some time Cain brought some of his harvest and gave it as an offering to the LORD. Then Abel brought the first lamb born to one of his sheep, killed it, and gave the best parts of it as an offering.The LORD was pleased with Abel and his offering, but he rejected Cain and his offering. Cain became furious, and he scowled in anger. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why that scowl on your face? If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling; but because you have done evil, sin is crouching at your door. It wants to rule you, but you must overcome it.”

Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out in the fields.” When they were out in the fields, Cain turned on his brother and killed him.
Genesis 4.3-8

Be cautious of anger that leads to senseless violence.

They use their weapons to commit violence.
I will not join in their secret talks,
Nor will I take part in their meetings,
For they killed people in anger
And they crippled bulls for sport.
A curse be on their anger, because it is so fierce,
And on their fury, because it is so cruel.
Genesis 49:5

Realize how a lack of trust in God can lead us to take matters into our own hands, with anger as fuel.

Be patient and wait for the LORD to act;
don’t be worried about those who prosper
or those who succeed in their evil plans.
Don’t give in to worry or anger;
it only leads to trouble.
Those who trust in the LORD will possess the land,
but the wicked will be driven out.
Psalm 37.7-9

When we cannot control our anger, we are in a dangerous place.

If you cannot control your anger, you are as helpless as a city without walls, open to attack.
Proverbs 25.28