Proverbs 22.24-25
“Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.”
Scripture tells us to manage our emotions. In particular, we are repeatedly instructed and warned to avoid anger. It is timely advice, because America is now experiencing what many are describing as an “outrage culture,” where people are quick to be offended and get angry. Social media has become a platform for constant expressions of outrage and anger at virtually any perceived (or fabricated) offense. People are quick to accuse, and they display a rush to anger and speed to outrage. It is a foolish way to live.
“A man of quick temper acts foolishly.” (Proverbs 14.17)
The mainstream media often feeds the anger. There seems to be a constant stream of criticism and condemnation of those who hold an opposing (usually conservative) view. Commentators and pundits are quick to denigrate and denounce.
But outrage is a destructive loop. It draws people in and increases their rage, and the result is that society has become progressively more polarized from the incessant bickering. In the end, the constant state of fighting and taking offense comes with blindness to how much we could actually accomplish if we took the time to listen to each other and engaged in meaningful dialogue
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” (Proverbs 14.29)
The problem is that activists and pundits put more value on emotional reactivity rather than logic and reason. They are not seeking to unite; they are seeking to divide. We are now living in an era where people’s alleged desire for social justice and righteousness has led them to become social predators who are constantly looking for targets to attack because of a perceived injustice. They don’t seek to listen and understand; they seek to attack and condemn. The tragic irony, of course, is that this predatory, angry mindset is terribly self-righteous.
“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.” (Proverbs 16.32)
Outrage has become an integral part of our current culture. The rage is contagious and infects people like a deadly virus. The myriad of political issues, scandals, and conflicts constantly displayed as breaking news can be correlated with the rapid escalation of anger. And when people feel angry, especially about social issues, it also boosts their feelings of righteousness, power, and moral superiority. Outrage becomes satisfying and addictive.
“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19.11)
Twitter posts and politics have become topics we rant about. Complaints and hatred permeate conversations, online platforms, and media outlets. People on social media constantly rage against one another and relish taking offense at everything, which causes outrage culture to devalue the importance of sharing ideas and tolerating different opinions.
It is time for the madness to stop. Cooler heads must prevail. We don’t need more heat; we desperately need more light.“Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1.19)
