The Apostle Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 4:26 offers a curious duality. On one hand, it acknowledges a space for anger — a deeply human and often volatile emotion — and yet commands restraint: “Do not sin.” This is not a contradiction, but a challenge. The Christian life is one marked by self-examination and divine transformation, and within that framework, Paul’s exhortation calls for the sanctification of emotion. It is a call to allow even something as raw as anger to be brought under the lordship of Christ.

Anger, But Without Sin

The first part of the verse, “Be angry, but do not sin,” is clear and categorical. Scripture does not give permission to indulge in sinful behavior under the guise of emotional justification. Anger may arise — and often will — but it must never serve as a crutch for the flesh. Using anger to rationalize bitterness, vengeance, malice, or harsh words is contrary to the very spirit of Christ. Christians are repeatedly called to holiness, and “do not sin” is not a suggestion. It is a command, rooted in the unchanging nature of God’s moral character.

Paul recognizes that anger is an inevitable part of human experience. Jesus Himself, though sinless, demonstrated what may be called righteous indignation. The cleansing of the temple (Matthew 21:12-13) or the grief at hardened hearts (Mark 3:5) illustrate divine anger that was never corrupted by sin. If Jesus — the perfect man — could express anger without sin, then it stands that there is a kind of godly anger, though rare and difficult for fallen humans to wield rightly.

Do not let the sun go down on your anger.

However, the second part of Ephesians 4:26 — “do not let the sun go down on your anger” — is more open to interpretation and has generated much theological and pastoral discussion. While the command not to sin is clear and absolute, the phrase about the setting sun invites reflection on how believers should deal with anger in a timely and godly manner. Different scholars and traditions have offered complementary views, both rooted in Scripture and godly wisdom. Considering these perspectives not only eases the burden of interpretation but also extends the heart of the verse: to resist sin and pursue righteousness.

Option 1: Righteous Anger as a Motivation for Justice

This leads to the first interpretive option: that there is such a thing as righteous anger, an anger that aligns with God’s hatred of evil. Throughout the Old Testament, we see God express wrath — not from pettiness or impulsiveness, but from a holy and just response to sin, idolatry, and injustice. While we must be cautious not to presume divine prerogative for ourselves, there is precedent for Christians to feel a burdened indignation over sin in the world — not to hate people, but to hate evil.

This kind of anger can serve as a spiritual motivator. It may move a person to advocate for the oppressed, defend the vulnerable, or rebuke unrighteousness. When channeled through prayer, humility, and godly wisdom, this anger can lead to godly action rather than destructive reaction. Paul himself showed this in his sharp rebukes of false teachers and moral corruption within the Church, yet he always pointed toward restoration, never vengeance.

But the key is always the second part of Paul’s phrase: “do not sin.” Even righteous anger, if left unguarded, can quickly turn inward, decay into resentment, or be weaponized. Righteous anger must be brief, purposeful, and surrendered to the Spirit.

Option 2: Letting Go Before the Day Ends

The second clause of the verse introduces a temporal boundary: “Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” This has traditionally been interpreted as a practical and spiritual safeguard. Anger, when left to linger, festers. It darkens the soul, and like a seed left unattended, it grows into bitterness, division, and emotional distance — both from others and from God.

The wisdom here is deeply relational. If one is angry with a brother or sister, the command is to resolve it quickly — not to carry emotional debts from one day to the next. This echoes Jesus’ own words in Matthew 5:23-24: “First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” God desires worship that flows from hearts free of grudges.

This doesn’t mean every conflict can be solved in a day. But the posture of the Christian should be toward forgiveness, even when the resolution is incomplete. This may mean initiating difficult conversations, inviting mediation, or — in many cases — offering unilateral forgiveness. Even if the offender remains unrepentant, the Christian can release their anger into God’s hands, ending the day in peace.

This approach allows us to rise each morning not burdened by yesterday’s wounds, but renewed in the mercy of God, whose mercies are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). Living in the rhythm of grace, we refuse to let today’s anger become tomorrow’s sin.

Godly Anger Versus Worldly Sin

In both interpretive approaches, the thread remains constant: sin must be avoided. Whether one finds righteous anger as a tool for justice or chooses the path of evening reconciliation and peace, the command “do not sin” must remain at the forefront. Anger cannot justify gossip, cruelty, revenge, or apathy. It cannot become a banner under which we carry personal vendettas. To do so is to betray the very gospel we claim to follow.

The Christian life is not a denial of emotion, but a sanctification of it. Anger, like all passions, must be held up to the light of God’s Word. The Spirit does not ask us to be numb — but He does call us to be holy.

Conclusion: A Heart Governed by the Spirit

Ultimately, Ephesians 4:26 is not about suppressing anger, nor about permitting it unchecked. It is about submitting even our strongest feelings to the discipline of the Spirit. Whether our anger is righteous and motivating or dangerous and lingering, it must be handled with reverence, for the soul is fragile, and sin waits at the door.

Let the Christian be slow to anger, quick to forgive, and eager to walk in peace. And when anger does arise, may it be a fire that purifies, not one that destroys. Let it draw us toward righteousness, never away from grace. For in Christ, even our anger can be made holy — but only if we remember the first and most unwavering command: Do not sin.